Pre-implantation diagnosis to be allowed

About 62% (61.9%) of Swiss voters have said yes to genetic screening of embryos before implantation in a woman’s uterus.  The change will allow embryos conceived with the help of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to be tested for genetic defects and serious illnesses before they are implanted.  This screening, referred to as “pre-implantation genetic diagnosis” (PGD), will be available only for couples who have been unable to conceive naturally or for couples who are carriers of a gene which could lead to a serious genetic defect. With the change, embryos could also be frozen and stored for future use. Interior Minister Alain Berset welcomed the result, saying it showed that one can have a public debate on "extremely complex issues". Berset reiterated arguments by proponents of PGD that the constitutional article forbids people from going too far to create "designer babies". Reaction Parliamentarian Ruth Humbel of the centrist Christian Democrats, said the results are ...