A gathering of affluent women in their thirties recently convened in Austin for a dinner focused on innovative ways to enhance their future offspring. At the event, hosted by Noor Siddiqui, founder of the embryo-screening start-up Orchid Health, attendees explored the potential of genetic technology to eliminate diseases and disorders. Siddiqui presented a vision of using advanced algorithms and comprehensive genome analysis to provide prospective parents with unprecedented information about their potential children.
Siddiqui, a prominent figure in the fertility tech sector backed by influential investors, highlighted her company’s ability to screen embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions. In a market where traditional methods have long included testing for specific genetic disorders, Orchid stands out for its promise to sequence an entire genome from just five cells. This approach could redefine reproductive choices, leading to ethical and political debates about the future of conception.
“For something as consequential as your child, I don’t think people want to roll the dice,” Siddiqui remarked, emphasizing the growing trend among well-to-do families to leverage technology for family planning.
While embryo screening for known genetic disorders is already standard practice, Siddiqui’s company has introduced polygenic risk scores intended to estimate a child’s likelihood of developing complex conditions later in life, such as bipolar disorder or cancer. Currently, the cost of screening embryos is approximately $2,500 per embryo, in addition to the average $20,000 for a single cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This high price point positions Orchid’s services primarily within affluent social circles, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
Siddiqui’s ambition extends beyond her current clientele; she envisions a future where genetic selection becomes commonplace. She provocatively stated, “Sex is for fun, and embryo screening is for babies,” suggesting that couples may soon choose embryos based on data-driven assessments instead of traditional conception methods.
Among the attendees was Shivon Zilis, a tech executive known for her connection to Elon Musk. Reports indicate that Zilis has utilized Orchid’s services, with at least one of Musk’s children potentially conceived using the company’s technology. Siddiqui, however, declined to confirm this detail.
The narrative surrounding fertility technologies is tied to a larger cultural movement advocating for higher birth rates in industrialized nations. Figures such as Vice President J.D. Vance and billionaire investor Peter Thiel have voiced concerns over declining population numbers, promoting a perspective known as pronatalism, which encourages larger families. This ideology is gaining traction, supported by recent legislative efforts to expand access to IVF and fertility treatments.
In February 2024, an executive order from the Trump administration aimed to enhance IVF accessibility, while a new California law set to take effect in July mandates that large insurers cover fertility services. These developments are likely to fuel demand for companies like Orchid, which promise innovative solutions to infertility.
Despite its ambitious goals, Orchid has faced criticism. Many geneticists question the validity of the polygenic risk scores and the accuracy of the genome sequencing process employed by the company. Svetlana Yatsenko, a professor at Stanford University, expressed skepticism about the reliability of extracting genetic information from such small samples, likening it to a game of chance.
Prominent genomic sequencing expert George Church, on the other hand, supports Siddiqui’s efforts, asserting that questioning the technology’s advancement is akin to doubting the efficiency of modern transportation. While there is optimism around the potential for improved fertility technologies, the scientific community remains divided on the implications of polygenic scoring, particularly concerning its predictive capabilities for complex traits like intelligence or psychological conditions.
Critics argue that these scores could lead to the dismissal of viable embryos based on incomplete or misleading information, thus influencing reproductive choices in ways that could reinforce social inequalities. Lior Pachter, a computational biologist, cautioned against the potential societal implications of screening for traits associated with intelligence or creativity, suggesting that it might be detrimental to exclude individuals with certain genetic profiles.
As the technology continues to evolve, Siddiqui maintains that her company plays a vital role in empowering families to have children without the fear of genetic disorders. She advocates for genetic testing and IVF to be viewed as fundamental rights, ensuring that all couples have access to the best available information and technology.
As the debate over the ethical implications of genetic selection intensifies, the first Orchid baby was born in late 2023. The company has expanded its services to over 100 IVF clinics across the United States, signifying a shift in the fertility industry that may influence how families are formed in the future.
The landscape of reproductive technology is rapidly changing, and as more families begin to explore these options, the intersection of science, ethics, and personal choice will undoubtedly remain a topic of significant discourse.
