Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: a systematic review of litigation in the face of new technology.
OBJECTIVE
To study legal cases against IVF facilities pertaining to preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) misdiagnosis.


METHODS
Systematic case law review.


METHODS
University medical center using US legal databases.


METHODS
The IVF recipients using PGD services.


METHODS
Lawsuits pertaining to PGD against IVF facilities.


METHODS
Lawsuits, court rulings, damage awards, and settlements pertaining to PGD after the birth of a child with a genetic defect.


RESULTS
Causes of action pertaining to PGD arise from negligence in performing the procedure as well as failure to properly inform patients of key information, such as inherent errors associated with the PGD process, a facility's minimal experience in performing PGD, and the option of obtaining PGD. Courts have sympathized with the financial burden involved in caring for children with disabilities. Monetary damage awards are based on the costs of caring for children with debilitating defects, including lifetime medical and custodial care.


CONCLUSIONS
Facilities offering PGD services expose themselves to a new realm of liability in which damage awards can easily exceed the limits of a facility's insurance policy. Competent laboratory personnel and proper informed consent--with particular care to inform patients of the inherent inaccuracies of PGD--are crucial in helping deter liability.
School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77555-0587, USA.
Tochi
T
Amagwula
Peter L
PL
Chang
Amjad
A
Hossain
Joey
J
Tyner
Aimée L
AL
Rivers
John Y
JY
Phelps
D035881:Compensation and Redress / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016365:Liability, Legal / Q000191:economics; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D015974:Wrongful Life