"Since the advent of prenatal genetic screening, disability justice advocates have warned about how the practice necessitates a biological standard for a "good life," one that inherently devalues the lives of those who are disabled, and how that "good life" will increasingly only be available to the wealthy."
"These companies are building on scientific research that makes connections between genetics and traits of interest, including intelligence. These studies are rife with caveats that limit their interpretation, yet are being used not only to sell what some are calling a "soft eugenics" but also by white supremacists."
"Heliospect Genomics boasts that its screening methods can boost a future child's IQ by more than six points. Nucleus Genomics's newest New York City subway ads provocatively claim "IQ is 50% genetic" and "These babies have great genes.""
Reproductive technology companies like Orchid, Nucleus Genomics, and Heliospect Genomics now offer whole genome sequencing for embryos during IVF, screening for congenital disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders, and intelligence. These services cost five figures and claim to predict future health outcomes and boost IQ. Disability justice advocates warn these practices establish biological standards for a "good life" that devalue disabled individuals and concentrate genetic enhancement among the wealthy. The companies rely on genetic research linking genetics to intelligence, though such studies contain significant caveats. Critics describe these offerings as "soft eugenics" and note the pseudo-scientific claims are being exploited by white supremacists, raising alarm about how scientific research is being commercialized and misused.
#genetic-screening-and-eugenics #reproductive-technology-and-ivf #disability-justice-and-discrimination #intelligence-testing-and-genetics #wealth-inequality-and-genetic-enhancement
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