Preimplantation diagnosis of single disorders

Preimplantation diagnosis of inherited and chromosomal diseases provides an option for couples at risk for conceiving genetically abnormal fetus to avoid a birth of an affected child without the need for a prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion of affected fetus (1-3). In some countries this might be the only way to the prevention of genetic disease, as abortion is not acceptable procedure. Even in those countries where prenatal diagnosis is practiced for many years, there is also concern that existing genetic programs based on prenatal screening will lead to increasing number of abortions. On the other hand, the possibilities for genotyping oocytes and cleaving embryos open a new prospect for genetic diagnosis before pregnancy, making genetic programs more ethically acceptable in any social setting. This will make preimplantation diagnosis the method of choice in the community based programs for prevention of genetic disease in the future, as well as a useful addition to assisted reproduction technologies, at least for IVF patients of advanced maternal age.