Beat the drums tonight, Alphonso, spread the news all over the grove
In December 2010, two independent laboratories have demonstrated that a full genome-wide analysis of the fetus could be performed from a sample of maternal blood, making fetal diagnostic testing possible in the future for any known genetic condition. The convergence of cffDNA (cell-free fetal DNA) testing with low cost genomic sequencing will enable prospective parents to have relatively inexpensive access to a wide range of genetic information about their fetus from as early as seven weeks gestation.
This article examines a range of ethical, legal and social implications associated with introducing NIPD (non-invasive prenatal diagnosis) into prenatal practice.
