Prenatal diagnosis
Published on 23 April 2025
In some cases, serious and incurable diseases - such as certain malformations or genetic disorders - can be detected thanks to examinations carried out during pregnancy. These diagnoses make it possible to anticipate appropriate medical care from birth, or to envisage a medical termination of pregnancy, within a framework strictly defined by law. The Agence de la biomédecine oversees these practices, informs the public about the medical and ethical issues involved, and advises public authorities on how to guarantee controlled, safe and equitable use of these tests.
Understanding the prenatal diagnosis process
Prenatal diagnosis is based on various examinations carried out during pregnancy, such as ultrasound scans and certain biological analyses. These tests are used to detect morphological, genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. The entire process is coordinated by multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis centers, which bring together different healthcare professionals. These centers support patients and medical teams throughout the process. In the event of the detection of a serious and incurable condition, they are the only ones empowered to issue a certificate of seriousness, enabling a medical termination of pregnancy to be considered, or to organize early care for the fetus or unborn child.
Supervising, coordinating and supporting professionals
The Agence de la biomédecine oversees prenatal diagnosis activities, in compliance with the French bioethics laws. It authorizes the activities of multidisciplinary centers and approves practitioners authorized to carry out examinations. It is also involved in examining applications for authorization from specialized laboratories, in conjunction with regional health agencies. To guarantee the quality and safety of practices, it carries out inspections, coordinates a vigilance system designed to detect and prevent any incidents, and draws up professional recommendations. Finally, the Agency supports medical research in this field, notably by funding selected projects each year.
Sharing reliable information and stimulating public debate
The Agence de la biomédecine provides professionals and future parents with information on the indications, procedures and implications of prenatal diagnostic tests. It helps to clarify medical choices, by raising awareness of the ethical issues raised by certain complex situations. It collects, consolidates and analyzes activity data from laboratories and multidisciplinary centers, in order to monitor changes in practices throughout France. This data feeds into reference publications and is used to support professionals, inform health institutions and help legislators adapt the legal framework.
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