Antenatal Genetic Diagnosis and the New Eugenics: European Vision from Medical, Ethical and Legal Perspectives

Abstract

The objective of this work will focus on the ethical and juridical study of reproductive technologies. We have to recognize the many advantages they bring, but it is also required to foresee and evaluate the consequences that these technologies have for human rights. Antenatal diagnostics are not allowed throughout Europe so the reasonsare the different uses they can have: embryo selection, sex selection, genetic manipulation, etc. Preimplantation diagnosis involve ethical and legal approaches with solutions that are highly criticised by society due to the eugenic component that they entail. Result of this study reflect on the convenience of their practice and a proposal of the guidelines to respect human rights and guarantees.