A new era esigning principles at birth

Genetic screening of human embryos may eventually eradicate inherited diseases ranging from breast cancer to cystic fibrosis.

Advances in gene technology are creating a host of ethical dilemmas, writes Rachel Browne.

GENETIC screening of human embryos may eventually eradicate inherited diseases ranging from breast cancer to cystic fibrosis.

Using a technique known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), specialists can select a couple's healthy embryo for implantation in the womb and discard ones that are damaged.

The technique is generally used for couples affected by a known inherited disease, most commonly severe conditions such as Huntington disease or cystic fibrosis.

Australian PGD pioneer Dr Leeanda Wilton - who has been working in the field for more than 20 years - said it had the potential to eradicate diseases that have haunted a family for generations.

''[The parents] … don't want to see future generations suffer as maybe their parents, or an aunt or uncle, have suffered,'' she said. ''If you have the choice to do that, why wouldn't you?''

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