The situation of preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Germany: legal and ethical problems.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has not been performed in Germany. Existing German laws do not explicitly permit or prohibit PGD. German law does forbid the wasting of totipotent embryonic cells, fertilizing oocyctes without transferring them in the same cycle, and the use of micromanipulations that later may harm embryonic development. German law also limits the number of oocytes allowed to be fertilized in each in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle to three and prohibits research on embryos. The existence of these laws may impede but not prevent the development of PGD programmes in Germany. In contrast, the liberal regulation of pregnancy termination coupled with the development of ethical guidelines specific to PGD may facilitate the introduction of PGD in Germany. Because of these contradictions, legislation is required to clarify the legal status of PGD in Germany.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany. Ludwig_M@t-online.de
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Schwinger
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Diedrich
D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000328:Adult; D047108:Embryonic Development; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis