The End of Human Evolution As We Know It | Orchid’s Noor Siddiqui

Listen to this episode from Endgame with Amanda Cassatt on Spotify. What if you could choose your child before they’re born?Noor Siddiqui, founder of Orchid, joins Amanda Cassatt to explore one of the most profound frontiers in biotech: genetically screening and selecting embryos during IVF. At the intersection of science, ethics, and the human desire for legacy, this conversation asks how far we’re willing to go to optimize health, reduce suffering, and rethink what it means to become a parent.They examine the promises and perils of “super babies,” a futuristic term quietly approaching reality. Once reserved for preventing rare genetic diseases, embryo testing is now exploring polygenic scoring, offering parents insight not only into potential health outcomes but also into cognitive traits such as IQ. With that insight comes questions about eugenics, equity, and where the line lies between informed choice and engineered outcomes.Noor shares how the burden of genetic disease shapes families and why she believes informed embryo selection can empower rather than control. Amanda and Noor also discuss the fertility crisis, the economic and cultural shifts reshaping family planning, and what it would take to build a world where having a child doesn’t demand superhuman effort or superhuman genes.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Orchid and IVF Technology02:57 Understanding Genetic Testing in Embryos06:08 The Concept of 'Super Babies' and Genetic Blessings09:03 Selection Pressure in Embryo Choices12:02 The Burden of Genetic Diseases14:43 Ethical Considerations in Genetic Selection17:49 The Future of Reproductive Technology20:49 Enhancements vs. Remediation in Genetic Technology23:36 The Role of Cost in IVF Accessibility26:32 The Future of Genetic Editing and CRISPR29:40 Conclusion and Future Outlook40:57 The Future of Reproductive Technology44:21 The Global Fertility Crisis48:40 Cultural Shifts in Parenthood51:24 The Purpose of Life and Parenthood55:53 Nature vs. Nurture in Child Development59:47 Personal Aspirations and Family Planning01:02:09 The Ethics of Genetic Selection01:08:54 Existential Questions and Identity