French lawmakers propose new law

French lawmakers from seven political groups, led by Constance de Pelichy (Liot), have introduced a bill to allow the "pre-implantation aneuploidy diagnosis" (DPI-A). This examination checks the chromosomal composition of embryos to prevent spontaneous pregnancy loss following in vitro fertilization.

Purpose of the DPI-A

The DPI-A is a diagnostic method used after in vitro fertilization to detect chromosomal abnormalities in embryos before they are transferred to the uterus. For women over 35, this test could reduce natural pregnancy loss by 39% to 2.7%, according to the bill's explanatory notes.

Current legal status in France

Currently, the DPI-A is illegal in France, except in rare cases. However, it is permitted in countries like Belgium, Spain, Hungary, and Greece. As a result, some French citizens travel abroad to have the procedure done at their own expense.

Support and opposition

The proposal has been supported by several lawmakers from different parties, including Léa Balage El Mariky (Ecologists), Romain Eskenazi (Socialists), and Frédéric Valletoux (Horizons). Juliette Eskenazi, representing the BAMP! group, praised the effort to raise awareness among French lawmakers. However, opponents argue that such tests could be seen as a form of disguised eugenics, leading to the exclusion of vulnerable individuals or the selection of specific traits in future children.

Legal safeguards and conditions

The proposed law includes strict conditions for requesting a DPI-A. These include being over 35, experiencing repeated implantation failures, multiple spontaneous abortions, or having an increased risk of aneuploidy due to either parent. The law explicitly prohibits the use of the test for eugenic purposes, such as selecting the child's sex or other genetic traits.

Call for swift legislative action

Constance de Pelichy has urged for a rapid first reading of the cross-party bill, which was submitted on October 13. She prefers it to be examined in early December during a special session of the National Assembly, which allows for the review of consensus-driven texts supported by at least one opposition and one majority group leader.