Aktuelle Aspekte der Präimplantationsdiagnostik in Europa

Only few debates stirred as much social and emotional controversy as the one about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The in-vitro genetic testing of the human preimplantation embryo should be reserved for selected couples only, who are carriers of severe medical diseases. The following article aims at providing an overview over the possibilities and limitations of PGD, indications and the legal framework of pre- conceptional genetic testing of gametes and embryos in Germany and other European countries. We also focus on preimplantation genetic screening which by now could not decrease abortion rates.