Press Release: Parents need better information on genetic testing of IVF embryos

A new report by European Commission scientists shows that urgent guidelines are needed for the counselling of patients that opt to screen their embryos created by in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for serious genetic disorders, and there is a need for specific quality assurance schemes. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is the practice of testing embryos for conditions such as Huntington's, haemophilia and cystic fibrosis before they are implanted in the mother. As the first report to give a full picture of this practice at European level, it shows that PGD is a well-established practice in many Member States, but regulations, standards and accreditation requirements can differ widely. The report, drawn up by the Commission's in-house scientific service, the Joint Research Centre, in co-operation with a number of European research centres, will help provide more knowledge and information about current PGD services.