PUBLISHED: 19:31 EST, 6 June 2012 | UPDATED: 04:08 EST, 7 June 2012

Thousands of genetic disorders in unborn babies could soon be identified without the need for risky and invasive tests – raising fears of an oncrease in the number of abortions.

Scientists have developed a revolutionary technique that maps the entire genetic code of a baby in the womb, using only blood and saliva samples taken from its parents.

But the method – which makes it possible to scan for some 3,500 disorders without physically disturbing either foetus or mother – will raise serious ethical questions.

Knowing from an early stage whether their child will have a serious condition, raises the possibility that mothers-to-be might opt to terminate the pregnancy.

Worry: Potential parents could check on any possible illnesses for for their children

Currently, most pre-natal genetic screening involves tapping fluid from the foetal sac, or taking samples from the placenta by either inserting a probe through the mothers abdomen or the neck of her womb.

Such invasive methods can identify only a small number of birth defects including Downs syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. They also pose risks for both mother and child.

The new research involved analysing DNA shed by the foetus and floating in the mothers bloodstream.

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