Two couples with a long family history of breast cancer are planning to get their embryos screened to see if they carry the gene linked to the disease.
The gene carrys a greater risk of the cancer but does not mean it will develop. Until recently only people who have inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
The couples will have to have IVF treatment so that the embryo can be tested in a laboratory. Paul Serhal of University College Hospital, London, is applying to test for the BRCA1 gene. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has agreed it in principle.
Some people have criticized the plan to screen for the gene, saying it is the first step towards designer babies. Josephine Quintavalle of Comment on Reproductive Ethics said: "This is not an acceptable way forward.It is not a solution to breast cancer and not a cure.
"It's already leading in the direction of a quest for perfection."
Paul Serhal told Radio 4's Today programme: "What we are doing here is giving parents an option to spare their children the trauma that they had to go through and eradicate this genetic transmission that has been happening from generation to generation."
Helen and Matthew are one of the couples hoping to have their embryos screened. Helen, 22 said to the The Times: "I have lived much of my life with cancer and death, and the fear that I might have to face it and might pass on the risk to my children.
"This gives us a chance to make sure that our daughters won't have the same experience."
The screening still has to be aproved by the HFEA.
Robyn Walker
Tagged in Health