VVD and D66 want more options for parents to screen embryos

Liberal parties VVD and D66 have drawn up a bill to give parents more choice when screening embryos for genetic conditions. They want it to become possible to test whether embryos are carriers of serious inherited illnesses, even if there is no risk the child will become ill.

At the moment, embryo testing is only allowed if there is a high chance the child will develop a severe disease. The new proposal would make it possible for people with genetic conditions in the family to choose embryos that are not carriers, helping to stop the illness being passed down.

“We want carriers of hereditary diseases to have the option not to pass it on,” said D66 MP Jan Paternotte.

Around 380 people a year currently go through embryo screening in the Netherlands, VVD MP Harry Bevers told RTL Nieuws. “Even if we help just one or two more families, that matters. These are very serious conditions,” he said.

The procedure, known as embryo selection or PGT, is used alongside IVF. It involves testing embryos created outside the body and only placing ones that are free of a particular condition back in the womb.

The bill limits screening to a small group of serious inherited diseases, such as severe muscle disorders or blood clotting problems.

MPs are unlikely to debate or vote on the draft legislation until after the October 29 general election.