How genetic screening could work

This involves testing the embryo before it goes into the womb as part of an IVF treatment.

The announcement this summer of the first complete genomic sequencing of a foetus means that within the next five years we may be able to screen for every gene that determines who we are physically and psychologically.

Prof Julian Savulescu believes we now know that most psychological characteristics are significantly determined by certain genes, and it’s quickly becoming possible to test for more and more of these genes in embryos.

Potentially, if couples — such as those going through IVF — wanted to determine several aspects of their child’s personality and talents, they could.

Fancy a child who’s likely to be altruistic? Then look for a version of the COMT gene. Want them to be faithful and enjoy stable relationships? Avoid a variant of AVPR1A.

Steer clear of a certain type of the MA0A gene, too — it’s linked to higher levels of violence in children who often suffer abuse or deprivation.