Tetsuo Otani

Otani Women's Clinic in Nada Ward started undertaking the preimplantation genetic diagnosis, intended for the prevention of genetic disorders, in 2002, Tetsuo Otani, 48, said.

It is the first known case of a Japanese clinic employing the method. In 1998, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology compiled guidelines restricting use of the technique, specifying it should only be used to prevent serious, incurable hereditary diseases.

Critics argue that the method encourages sex selection because fertilized eggs with disorders or of the undesired sex can be discarded. Concern has been raised that it could lead to eugenics and discrimination on the basis of disabilities or genetic disorders.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 14, 2004
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