Preimplantation diagnosis
Published on 23 April 2025
Certain serious and incurable genetic diseases can be passed on by parents to their future child. When such a risk is identified, pre-implantation diagnosis (PGD) enables embryos to be analyzed prior to transfer, in the context of in vitro fertilization, in order to detect the anomaly in question. Only embryos that are not carriers can then be offered for transfer. This technique, reserved for situations strictly defined by law, is supervised by the Agence de la biomédecine.
Understanding the preimplantation diagnosis process
Preimplantation diagnosis is a regulated medical technique, carried out on an exceptional basis in situations defined by law. It is intended for couples or unmarried women with a proven risk of transmitting a serious and incurable genetic disease to their child. This risk must be confirmed by a multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis center. The diagnosis is then made during in vitro fertilization, in a preimplantation diagnosis center. One or more cells are taken from each embryo for analysis by specialized laboratories. The analysis focuses solely on the disease identified in the family. Only embryos that do not carry the anomaly can be offered for transfer, or preserved for a future parental project.
Supervising practices and supporting professionals
The Agence de la biomédecine oversees preimplantation diagnosis in compliance with the legal framework defined by the French bioethics laws. It issues authorizations to the five preimplantation diagnosis centers and approvals to practitioners authorized to perform this technique. It monitors, controls and evaluates this activity, notably through regular inspections and a vigilance system designed to prevent any incidents or abuses. The Agency also supports healthcare professionals by drawing up recommendations for best practice, based on the work of experts, literature reviews and exchanges with learned societies. Finally, it supports research in this field through an annual call for projects.
Sharing reliable information and stimulating public debate
The Agence de la biomédecine collects, consolidates and analyzes data relating to preimplantation diagnosis and the activity of authorized centers. This data is used to monitor changes in practices, provide guidance to healthcare professionals, inform public decision-making and support any changes to the legislative framework. The Agency works closely with learned societies, patient associations and the families concerned. It provides couples and unmarried women with clear information on the indications, procedures and limits of PGD, while raising awareness of the ethical issues that this technique may raise.
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