Munich (netdoktor.de) – A cross-party group of parliamentarians presented a further Bill to the Präimplanationsdiagnostik (PID). They speak out for this, to allow the PID within narrow limits.

Prerequisite for the genetic investigation of embryos should be that the parents of a serious genetic disorder affects, who fear to pass on to the child. Also, it is an option, if miscarriage threatens. “In both cases we find it the humane alternative to the prenatal Diagnostics, where the investigation only takes place in the womb”, said Peter Hintze (CDU) in the ARD morning magazine. Then severe damage of the child that there is often a traumatic late abortion.

His Mitstreiterin, the FDP politician Ulrike Flach, pointed out that there already are similar laws in other European countries, for example, in France. By the restricted PID, immense suffering will saves families. It was “highly ethical”, to spare the women to go when embryos were damaged in the pregnancy. In any case, a Etikkommission will assess each individual case. A so-called indication list with diseases that may be examined in the context of a PID is not.

Last week another group of members of Parliament of all political groups had agreed on key points for a comprehensive ban of PID. Opponents fear that even a limited permission to open the door to so-called designer babies.

There is currently a third, also cross-party draft in preparation according to art. He apparently aims still greater extent the PID as the current design. As a result, the investigation should be only legal if could lead to the death of a disorder of the child during pregnancy or in the first years of life.

A legal rule has become necessary because the Federal Court has in fact approved the PID. The vote in the Bundestag is to take place without the so-called whip. (cf)