Naturwissenschaftliche und (arzt-)rechtliche Grundlagen der Präimplantationsdiagnostik

Abstract

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has led, since its first applications, to controversial, not always objective discussions concerning a possible licensure in strongly indicative, isolated cases of serious genetically determined diseases in Germany. T he intention of this paper is to portray the scientific-medical bases and problems, and to comment on the present legal situation in Germany. lt will, amongst other things, simultaneously comment not only on possible sources of error of the PG D, but also on the potential for misuse. lt will furthermore pose the question as to whether or not couples with a high risk of inheriting the corresponding diseases in Germany should be denied prevention of repeated induced abortions, or, respectively, must bear the likely premature death of their born children as a matter of fate.