Reproductive technology is advancing quickly. New tools bring real hope for family building while also raising legal and ethical questions. For example, artificial intelligence now aids in embryo selection, and genetic screening can examine hundreds of traits. These shifts expand options but also test rules of consent, medical oversight and fairness in reproductive care.
Below are some key developments to be aware of.
Egg and embryo freezing
Modern vitrification now freezes eggs and embryos quickly to protect them from ice damage. Survival rates after thaw often exceed ninety percent. Clinics must follow consent rules and storage guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Artificial intelligence in embryo and sperm evaluation
AI tools such as iDAScore, ERICA and STAR analyze time-lapse images to assess embryo quality and find rare sperm in azoospermia cases. In March 2025, Columbia University reported the first pregnancy after nineteen years of infertility when STAR found sperm that manual methods missed. These tools are promising, but they are not yet fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the United States, the law treats them as medical devices and requires clinical testing.
Genetic screening with polygenic risk scoring
More companies now offer tests that look at an embryo’s genes to learn about health issues and traits such as height or intelligence. These tests can cost several thousand dollars. The law lets people use genetic testing even for nonmedical traits. Some worry, however, that this could lead to unfair advantages or pressure to choose certain traits.
These innovations in freezing, AI evaluation and genetic screening offer new hope while testing existing legal frameworks. Federal regulation through FDA oversight, organ donation law, institutional review boards (IRBs) and informed consent standards provides a legal foundation. When navigating these developments, it is essential to seek legal guidance.