Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is a technique used to detect genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities in early human embryos. PGD is ethically controversial because it the screening involves the termination of embryos based on their expected genetic makeup. Furthermore, it is controversial whether where the line is drawn between PGD for medical uses and non-medical uses. For example, it is used to detect cancer causing genes or precursors for Alzheimer's disease. Non-medical uses would be to detect intelligence, height, and gender selection. Deafness is a trait that can be detected by PGD and is controversial whether it is a medical or non-medical trait. It is considered a disability and is not life threatening. I will argue that deafness is not a medical trait in the case of PGD. Deafness inhibits a person’s ability to communicate effectively and is a physiological problem. However, the disability should be viewed as disadvantage just as other groups are disadvantaged by society. According to Goering, the medical model does not support the use of genetic therapies for deafness because there is no physical pain or suffering with deafness. A deaf individual may endure more difficulty in society, but it is termed as a disability by society. Consequently, Goering would not …show more content…
Robertson proposes a PGD for perfect pitch case. He argues that it would be unacceptable for highly musical families to discard embryos that do not have the affinity for perfect pitch because it does not negatively affect the child to not have the trait. Robertson would support PGD in the case of deafness based off of the previous statement. However, I disagree because society negatively associates deafness as an abnormality. Hence, deafness is a social construct and is