6,000 Down syndrome blood tests in the first year

Konstanz - The ethically controversial pregnant woman's blood test for Down's syndrome has been used by almost 6,000 women since it was launched in Germany year ago. This is what the Constance-based manufacturer announced today. No chromosomal abnormalities were found in 98 percent of all applications of the test. A good half of the tests were carried out in Germany, quarter each in Switzerland and in other European countries.

LifeCodexx offers the test, in which genetic analyzes in the blood of pregnant women for the chromosomal disorder trisomy 21 des unborn child can be closed in more than 30 countries.

Representatives of disabled people's associations and the churches criticize that the test only serves to abort disabled children. It is therefore not compatible with applicable law. Proponents argue that the new procedure could replace traditional amniotic fluid tests, which are at risk of miscarriage.