[Introduction in Switzerland of preimplantation genetic testing: progress or downward spiral?]

The Swiss law on Assisted Reproductive Techniques (LPMA) has been modified in order to authorize preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD has been performed for 20 years. Switzerland is one of the last european countries where it is still prohibited. As a result, couples carrying a severe inherited disease and infertile couples with recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage have to cross the borders in order to have access to the appropriate treatments. Despite the recent popular approval to change the Constitution, the new LPMA cannot be implemented as the opponants have launched a referendum in order to obtain a more restrictive law. If they succeed, the affected couples will be left with a scientifically obsolete law that will not allow them to have access to an effective and compassionate treatment.