PUBLISHED: 19:31 EST, 6 June 2012 | UPDATED: 04:08 EST, 7 June 2012 <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Worry: Potential parents could check on any possible illnesses for for their children <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The new research involved analysing DNA shed by the foetus and floating in the mothers bloodstream.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Scientists could soon screen unborn babies for 3,500 genetic disorders, raising fears of an increase in abortions<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading