Students should make informed judgements about the economic, social and…

The idea

Embryo screening involves testing embryos produced by IVF for alleles linked to inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis before implantation. Economic issues include the cost of screening and treatment to the health service and families. Social issues include reducing suffering, the impact on families and questions about who should have access. Ethical issues include the status of the embryo, disability rights, designer babies and parental choice. A strong judgement considers both benefits and drawbacks, uses the information provided and reaches a clear conclusion.

For example: Screening can prevent a child being born with a serious disorder, but some people object because it involves discarding affected embryos.

What earns the marks

• Economic issues include the cost of embryo screening and IVF, the cost of lifelong care for a child with a disorder, and who pays, such as the NHS or families.
• Social issues include reducing suffering, supporting families, the availability of screening and the effect on people already living with the disorder.
• Ethical issues include the moral status of the embryo, the right to life, disability rights, parental choice and concerns about designer babies.
• An informed judgement weighs benefits against drawbacks, uses the given information and reaches a clear, justified conclusion rather than listing points.
• Embryo screening can identify embryos with recessive alleles such as those causing cystic fibrosis, so parents can choose which embryos to implant.
• Different stakeholders, including parents, doctors, religious groups and taxpayers, may reach different judgements because they value the issues differently.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Listing economic, social and ethical points without reaching a judgement.

  Put it right: Finish with a clear conclusion that weighs the issues and refers to the information given.

• Treating embryo screening as the same as gene therapy or editing.

  Put it right: Screening tests and selects embryos, whereas gene therapy aims to treat a person.

• Assuming everyone shares the same ethical view.

  Put it right: Recognise that different groups and individuals may reach different judgements for valid reasons.

Exam tips

• Use the information provided in the question and refer to it explicitly when making your judgement.
• Structure your answer to cover economic, social and ethical issues, then state and justify your overall conclusion.
• Use connectives such as however, therefore and on balance to show that you are weighing up both sides.