What C. S. Lewis Can Tell Us About New IVF Eugenics Technology
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 3:03 am
New IVF Software Sparks Ethical Concerns
A U.S. biotech company, Nucleus Genomics, has launched "Nucleus Embryo," a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) software designed to allow couples to select embryos for implantation based on their complete genetic profiles. The software analyzes up to 20 embryos, assessing over 900 hereditary conditions, cognitive abilities, and other traits. This technology, part of a $5.7 billion industry, is marketed as genetic optimization software, raising concerns about its eugenic implications.
The software encourages parents to compare embryos based on potential disease susceptibility, physical characteristics, and IQ. While gene editing is not currently offered, the implication is that embryos deemed less desirable are discarded or frozen. This practice has drawn criticism, highlighting the industry's eugenic aspects.
The development of such technology echoes concerns raised by C.S. Lewis in "The Abolition of Man," written decades before IVF. Lewis warned about the potential for technological advancements to give some individuals power over others, particularly over future generations. He argued that those undergoing IVF, as well as the embryos, become subjects of the technology.
The article cites numerous examples of IVF-related issues, including embryo mix-ups, storage failures, and legal disputes over lost or destroyed embryos. These cases underscore the potential for unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas within the IVF industry. The treatment of embryos as property, rather than persons, is also highlighted, with some contracts allowing for the destruction of embryos.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the ethical implications of such technologies. It suggests that the application of these technologies can have unforeseen consequences, and that the future of eugenics technologies is a political question that requires careful consideration.
BNN's Perspective:
While advancements in reproductive technology offer hope for many, the ethical implications of genetic optimization software like Nucleus Embryo cannot be ignored. The potential for unintended consequences and the treatment of embryos as commodities raise serious concerns. A balanced approach is needed, one that prioritizes both scientific progress and the fundamental value of human life.
Keywords: IVF, Nucleus Embryo, eugenics, genetic optimization, embryos, reproductive technology, C.S. Lewis, ethical concerns, healthcare, biotech, fertility, genetic profiling, embryo selection, healthcare, technology, science, medicine.