UK Telegraph
A team has been able to predict the whole genetic code of a foetus by taking a
blood sample from a woman who was 18 weeks pregnant, and a swab of saliva
from the father.
They believe that, in time, the test will become widely available, enabling
doctors to screen unborn babies for some 3,500 genetic disorders.
At the moment the only genetic disorder routinely tested for on the NHS is
Down’s syndrome.
This is a large-scale genetic defect caused by having an extra copy of a
bundle of DNA, called a chromosome.
Other such faults are sometimes tested for, but usually only when there is a
risk of inheriting them from a parent.
By contrast, the scientists say their new test would identify far more conditions, caused by genetic errors.
However, they warned it raised “many ethical questions” because the results could be used as a basis for abortion.-[Full Article]
By contrast, the scientists say their new test would identify far more conditions, caused by genetic errors.
However, they warned it raised “many ethical questions” because the results could be used as a basis for abortion.-[Full Article]
