Savior sibling

Savior Sibling

A Savior Sibling is a child who is born to provide an organ or cell transplant to a sibling that is affected by a fatal disease, such as Fanconi Anemia or Diamond-Blackfan Anemia.

History

The concept of a Savior Sibling was first introduced in the late 20th century with the advancements in genetic engineering and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The first known case of a Savior Sibling was in 2000, when the Nash family in the United States used IVF and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to create a baby who could provide a life-saving treatment for their daughter, Molly, who was suffering from Fanconi Anemia.

Ethical Issues

The creation of Savior Siblings raises several ethical issues, including the potential for exploitation of the child for medical purposes, the risk of harm to the child due to medical procedures, and the psychological impact on the child. Some argue that the use of PGD for this purpose is a form of eugenics, while others believe it is a legitimate use of medical technology to save a life.

Legal Status

The legal status of Savior Siblings varies by country. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the use of PGD for this purpose is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. In the United States, there are no specific laws regulating the use of PGD for the creation of Savior Siblings, but the practice is generally accepted under the principle of parental rights.

See Also

• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Fanconi Anemia
• Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

References

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