PGT-A and the Ethics of Chasing Rainbows
Responsible innovation in medically assisted reproduction & the dangers of innovation driven by technology, rather than patient centred care
This talk will describe how the history of PGT-A, which starts with a great hypothesis, was fuelled by a technological imperative and commercial rhetoric, and is probably here to stay; although its clinical utility still remains contested after 25 years of reinventing itself. We will reflect on what can be learned from this case in terms of responsible innovation in medically assisted reproduction and on the dangers of technology-driven innovation, rather than patient centred care.
Register here
About the Speaker
Heidi Mertes is an associate professor in Medical Ethics at Ghent University. Her main area of research is the ethics of reproductive medicine in general and more specifically ethical challenges in embryo research, fertility preservation, preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing, social egg freezing, stem cell derived gametes, genetic parenthood, genome editing, etc. She is the current chair of the Belgian Federal Commission for medical and scientific research on Embryo’s in vitro and former chair of the Ethics Committee of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). She is also a member of the Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics.
Why attend
- Gain critical insights into 25 years of ethical debate surrounding PGT-A in reproductive medicine.
- Understand how commercial rhetoric and tech-driven pressure influence modern fertility care.
- Explore the risks of technology-first practices compared to patient-centred care models.
- Learn practical principles for guiding responsible innovation in assisted reproduction.
- Participate in an interactive Q&A session with an international leader in medical bioethics.
Who should attend
This event is designed for:
- Legal practitioners, scholars, and policy makers working in health law and bioethics.
- Healthcare providers, fertility specialists, and researchers in reproductive medicine.
- Bioethicists and members of medical ethics oversight committees.
- Students and members of the public interested in healthcare technology and patient advocacy.
Practical information
- Registration is required prior to the event
- This session will take place via Zoom. Registered participants will receive access links prior to the event.
Register here
Event Details
- Date:
- 10 September 2026 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Venue:
- online
- Register here:
- https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1998942460710
- Categories:
- Research; Law, Health and Wellbeing Group
Description
Responsible innovation in medically assisted reproduction & the dangers of innovation driven by technology, rather than patient centred care
This talk will describe how the history of PGT-A, which starts with a great hypothesis, was fuelled by a technological imperative and commercial rhetoric, and is probably here to stay; although its clinical utility still remains contested after 25 years of reinventing itself. We will reflect on what can be learned from this case in terms of responsible innovation in medically assisted reproduction and on the dangers of technology-driven innovation, rather than patient centred care.
Register here
About the Speaker
Heidi Mertes is an associate professor in Medical Ethics at Ghent University. Her main area of research is the ethics of reproductive medicine in general and more specifically ethical challenges in embryo research, fertility preservation, preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing, social egg freezing, stem cell derived gametes, genetic parenthood, genome editing, etc. She is the current chair of the Belgian Federal Commission for medical and scientific research on Embryo’s in vitro and former chair of the Ethics Committee of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). She is also a member of the Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics.
Why attend
- Gain critical insights into 25 years of ethical debate surrounding PGT-A in reproductive medicine.
- Understand how commercial rhetoric and tech-driven pressure influence modern fertility care.
- Explore the risks of technology-first practices compared to patient-centred care models.
- Learn practical principles for guiding responsible innovation in assisted reproduction.
- Participate in an interactive Q&A session with an international leader in medical bioethics.
Who should attend
This event is designed for:
- Legal practitioners, scholars, and policy makers working in health law and bioethics.
- Healthcare providers, fertility specialists, and researchers in reproductive medicine.
- Bioethicists and members of medical ethics oversight committees.
- Students and members of the public interested in healthcare technology and patient advocacy.
Practical information
- Registration is required prior to the event
- This session will take place via Zoom. Registered participants will receive access links prior to the event.