Back in the spotlight: preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has once again entered the bioethical debate, just as France launched its national consultations on January 21, 2026, with a view to a possible revision of the law. The announcement on March 31 of the pregnancy of Marine Tondelier, national secretary of the Green Party and presidential candidate, added an unexpected focus, as she stated her support for the test "within a well-defined framework."
In practice, preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy (PGD-A) analyzes a cell taken from an embryo conceived through in vitro fertilization before transfer to the uterus, in order to detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as certain trisomies or monosomies, and to favor so-called euploid embryos. Proponents see it as a medical tool to reduce implantation failures and miscarriages, and gynecologist Joëlle Belaïsch-Allart has pointed out that embryos carrying chromosomal abnormalities sometimes implant poorly and can lead to pregnancy loss. The issue itself, however, never quite takes root in public opinion.
An embryonic sorting process bordering on the illegality of the law
An embryonic sorting process on the fringes of the law. Faced with this promise of better securing certain assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, French law remains firmly entrenched in a strict line: preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy (PGD-A) is not authorized. As a result, women and couples go abroad, particularly to Spain, to access it, a sign that the demand exists and that the national ban doesn't truly close the door, but rather shifts it. In France, only PGD targeting a genetic disease is possible when there is a "high probability" of giving birth to a child with a particularly serious condition recognized as incurable at the time of diagnosis.
With strict oversight: review of files in one of the 49 multidisciplinary prenatal diagnostic centers, medical validation by a geneticist, written consent, and open access for heterosexual couples, female couples, and single women under certain conditions. The delicate balance remains: how far to expand without veering into overt selection, and what collective price to accept for a few extra points in the success rate, especially given that the upcoming revision promises, once again, some tough decisions.
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