[Preimplantation diagnosis--a routine examination?].
The discussion on pre-genetic diagnosis continues. The question is whether it should be allowed in Austria and Germany, too. Pre-geneticdiagnosis aims at examining embryos for possible genetic damage prior to implantation. The method of producing embryos in vitro (IVF) primarily served to enable hitherto childless couples to become parents. Currently, however, application is moving towards helping couples capable of natural fertilisation but at higher risk of producing a handicapped child. Here, embryos are created in vitro, examined and only implanted if in good health. The damaged embryos, however, are destroyed. Some argue that this form of selection is no different to the termination of pregnancy in an abortion, and furthermore the PID is the more gentle method. These arguments are discussed in this article, and in addition whether the principle of preserving human dignity is already valid for the embryo and whether a doctor is authorized to produce, select and kill human life.
Beck
Matthias
M
Institut für Ethik und Recht in der Medizin, Universität Wien, Spitalgasse 2-4/ Hof 2.8, 1090 Wien, Osterreich. Matthias.Beck@univie.ac.at
D001317:Austria; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000196:embryology; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D019924:Embryo Disposition / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000941:ethics; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000941:ethics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics*