Skip to main content
When Hope Meets Reality — Rethinking PGT-A
Evidence-based · Patient-friendly

When Hope Meets Reality

When “any chance” feels worth any price, clear communication matters. Clinicians should explain tests and treatments — including benefits, limits, risks, uncertainties — so patients can decide with confidence.

PGT-A IVF add-ons informed consent patient-centred care false hope intention-to-treat

A What patients are facing

Over 700 people filed six class-action lawsuits across five U.S. states against companies offering PGT-A — alleging false hope and misleading marketing.

A global survey of 151 IVF clinics found that 83% use PGT-A testing:

  • Europe: 32%
  • USA & Canada: 29%

Common indications for offering PGT-A:

  • Advanced maternal age (77%)
  • Repeated implantation failure (70%)
  • Unexplained miscarriage(s) (65%)

20% of clinics reported transferring embryos labelled “abnormal” — mostly in the USA (56%). Nearly half (49.3%) of those transfers led to a pregnancy or birth.

Major societies — ESHRE, HFEA, and ASRM — do not recommend the routine use of PGT-A.

Despite this, PGT-A is often presented as routine for women 35+ or after failed cycles — effectively touching the vast majority of IVF patients. Each case deserves a careful medical, emotional, and financial assessment.

B Rapid growth in PGT-A use (USA)

Use more than tripled in three years — showing how quickly an unproven add-on can spread when marketed as essential.

Key takeaway: If a test is sold as a must-have, ask for live-birth evidence, age-specific outcomes, and intention-to-treat denominators.
SOURCES
  • Klein, A. (2025, Mar 7). Pricey IVF Test May Be Selling False Hope. Truthdig.
  • Gleicher, N., Barad, D. H., et al. (2019). Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). J Assist Reprod Genet, 36(1), 29–37.

🌐 www.aboutivf.com · Evidence-based IVF resources
This material is for information only — always consult your doctor before making decisions.