‘Baby Factory’ in the USA Promises Women High-Intelligence Offspring
The private American company “PolygenX” conducts genetic testing 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 into the uterus.
PolygenX offers expectant mothers the option of genetic testing for these embryos before transplantation, promising that their experts can identify those that are likely to result in children with high IQs.
The company has already garnered support from pronatalist advocates—those who encourage higher birth rates—as well as billionaire Elon Musk, who recently commented on how declining birth rates could lead to societal collapse.
Founded in Wyoming in 2022 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 prohibit genetic tests for traits like intelligence, height, and sex in embryos, the United States has comparatively lenient regulations in this area.
Besides 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 per cent genetically determined but most researchers suggest that upbringing plays a far larger role.
In reality, there is no specific gene which is associated with intelligence which makes it almost impossible to select genetically for these traits.
