Researchers recently announced a new method for in vitro fertilization. The technical term for the process is chromosome aneuploidy screening, and it triples the chances — from 30 percent to nearly 90 percent — of implanting a single, viable embryo during in vitro fertilization.

In chromosome aneuploidy screening, multiple embryos are created using conventional methods. What’s new is that five days later, cells are extracted from those embryos. According to the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail, “The screening checks embryos for chromosome abnormalities. Any which are faulty are discarded, and only those which stand the best chance of developing into a healthy fetus are implanted back into the womb.” Another benefit arises because “couples paying for private treatment would potentially save thousands of pounds.”

The pragmatic gains are considerable. First, couples struggling to conceive can weed out “unhealthy” embryos, particularly those with Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal abnormality. Second, the process eliminates the need to implant multiple embryos, and reduces the risks associated with births of twins or triplets. And third, even though the procedure costs more than conventional in vitro fertilization, the higher likelihood of success reduces the overall cost of multiple rounds of treatment. Win, win, win.

Unless you stop to consider the ethical questions.

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