Switzerland Gives Green Light to Controversial Prenatal Test for Down’s Syndrome

A Swiss newspaper has reported that the country’s health authorities have given a green light for a controversial prenatal test for Down’s syndrome.

A Swiss newspaper has reported that the country’s health authorities have given a green light for a controversial prenatal test for Down’s syndrome even as human rights activists protest that such a test could lead to more abortions.

Testing will be available in the country from mid-August following a decision by Swissmedic, the national agency for therapeutic products, the Neue Zuercher Zeitung am Sonntag reported.

Down Syndrome - Trisomy 21, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder among children commonly born to older mothers. The condition is also known as ‘Up syndrome’ because of the cheerful persona of the Down children.

The test, developed by life sciences company LifeCodexx, involves screening pregnant women's blood samples for the presence of foetal Down's syndrome, which is also known as trisomy 21.

The German-based firm described the procedure, marketed as PrenaTest, as a "risk-free alternative to common invasive examination methods such as amniocentesis".

Demand is high in Switzerland from doctors and expectant mothers, the company said. The test will also be marketed in Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, according to the German-based firm's website.

About Genetic Testing
Genetic testing helps to confirm a genetic condition in an individual and involves q complex laboratory techniques

The Swiss national health insurer Santesuisse and the Swiss gynaecological society are happy for the cost of the test to be reimbursed as part of standard medical cover if it proves successful, the NZZ report said.

But the international federation of Down's syndrome organisations has objected to such testing at the European Court of Human Rights.