The private American company “PolygenX” conducts genetic tests on human embryos for a fee of $50,000, selecting those with the potential for the highest intelligence.
Their clients are women undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization), a procedure that typically involves fertilizing several eggs at once and then choosing the most viable ones for implantation in the uterus.
PolygenX offers expectant mothers the opportunity to genetically test these embryos before transplant, promising that their experts can identify the embryos likely to result in children with high IQs.
The company has already received support from pronatalist advocates – those who encourage higher birth rates – and from billionaire Elon Musk, who recently commented on how falling birth rates could lead to societal collapse.
PolygenX was founded in 2022 in Wyoming by Jonathan Anomaly, a former philosophy professor and outspoken advocate of eugenics. PolygenX quickly faced criticism for its “controversial eugenics practices” and accusations of racism.
While most developed countries ban genetic testing for traits such as intelligence, height and sex in embryos, the United States has relatively relaxed rules in this area.
In addition to screening for potential intelligence, PolygenX also examines embryos for risks of ADHD, bipolar disorder and various types of cancer.
PolygenX claims that intelligence is up to 80 percent genetically determined, but most researchers suggest that nurture plays a much larger role.
In reality, there is no specific gene associated with intelligence, making it virtually impossible to genetically select for these traits.
