The first pregnancy has been reported using a new IVF technique that screens embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted into the womb.
The latest technique, known as karyomapping, involves using standard IVF treatment to create a set of embryos which are then biopsied for inheritable defects.
The technique can be performed as early as three days when the human embryo is made up of around 8 cells, although it is more likely to take place when the embryo is composed of some 100 cells.
The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health (CRGH) said the procedure, which can be completed within two weeks, will become available on the NHS and was likely to replace other forms of embryonic screening.
Commenting on the technique, which also checks for developmental disorders such as Down's syndrome, Josephine Quintavalle of Comment on Reproductive Ethics, said:
“Described today as an entry into ‘a golden age of genetics’ we wonder if eugenics might be a better word to describe this latest search and destroy technique.
"It would be interesting to know how much progress is being made scientifically in actually trying to cure some of these conditions but we do know, thanks to the HFEA website, how many conditions are currently licensed for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, whether earlier or later."
She added: "We now license in the UK over 300 genetic tests on the human embryo, all designed to identify and discard any embryos carrying those diseases. This is simply a ruthless process of search and destroy, not good science working towards positive cures."
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