UK approves preimplantation genetic screening technique

The screening of embryos for an abnormal number of chromosomes has been approved in principle by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the body that regulates in vitro fertilisation treatment in the United Kingdom.

It is the first time that the authority has approved a technique that detects a range of genetic abnormalities rather than one specific genetic disease. The technique, known as aneuploidy screening, is thought to increase the success rate of in vitro fertilisation by eliminating those embryos that have a poor chance of implanting in the womb.

In a statement issued last week, the …