Scientists have developed a test that enables doctors to screen embryos for low intelligence, by identifying a range of genetic defects known to lead to learning difficulties.

The test has already been adapted for use by doctors in the US and Spain. Using test-tube baby techniques, doctors have selected only perfect embryos to be returned to the woman's womb.

According to a report in the Sunday Times (London) "Some experts are concerned that such testing echoes Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, in which epsilon babies were bred in hatcheries for menial tasks while alphas lived a life of luxury."

"There is an urgent need for regulation of what constitutes legitimate use of this type of genetic diagnosis," said Richard Nicholson, the editor of the Bulletin of Medical Ethics, according to The Times. "Low IQ is not life-threatening. This is a significant step towards eugenics," he added.

The testing kit is being marketed by Cytocell, of Banbury, UK and was developed from research at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford. Scientists there have identified the specific arrangements of genetic material on the telomeres, the ends of DNA strands in each chromosome, which cause children to suffer anything from moderate learning problems to mental handicap.

Research is now turning to the quest for other genetic characteristics which may cause sub-normal intelligence, with the ultimate goal of offering screening to women carrying naturally conceived babies.

The US government is currently allocating significant federal funds into developing such tests.

The Sunday Times, November 26, 2000.