Russian Church Says Genetic Testing to Choose Traits of Unborn Children is Unacceptable

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church supports the position that it is unacceptable to use genetic testing methods in relation to a conceived fetus to select the desired properties of the unborn child, including gender selection. This is stated in the document “On the inviolability of human life from the moment of conception,” which was adopted by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and is subsequently planned for approval by the Council of Bishops.

“It is unacceptable to use genetic testing methods in relation to a conceived fetus in order to select the desired properties of the unborn child, including its gender, since this method involves the killing of children who did not undergo selection at the stage of their embryonic development,” states the document published on the website of the Moscow State University patriarchy.

It is noted that the improvement of gene technologies in the coming years may make it possible to correct the genetic characteristics of the embryo at the earliest stages of its development and help eliminate genetic diseases. “However, such an intervention can be associated with high risks, including unexpected damage and even death of the child. The possibility of using such technologies from a moral point of view requires detailed consideration in each specific case,” the document says.