Story perspectives

IVF Ethics Questioned After Child's Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The parent questions the ethics of using in vitro fertilization (IVF) with genetic testing after their son is diagnosed with cystic-fibrosis-related metabolic syndrome.
The child, now almost three, is asymptomatic and thriving.
The parent debates whether embryo selection is justified given the low risk of illness.
The conclusion notes that embryo selection changes which child exists but does not imply a judgment on the worth of existing individuals.

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Story summary

The parent questions the ethics of using in vitro fertilization (IVF) with genetic testing after their son is diagnosed with cystic-fibrosis-related metabolic syndrome.
The child, now almost three, is asymptomatic and thriving.
The parent debates whether embryo selection is justified given the low risk of illness.
The conclusion notes that embryo selection changes which child exists but does not imply a judgment on the worth of existing individuals.