Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - PGD - a technique combining the recent advances in molecular genetics and assisted reproductive technology that can help you to eliminate the danger of transfering genetic diseases to your children

Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Testing

Pioneer in Embryo Genetic Testing and Gender Selection

- Genetic Diseases -

Fast Facts on Genetic Disorders and PGD

According to the March of Dimes:

1 out of every 100 Americans is born with a serious genetic defect.
Approximately 20,994 California babies are born with a birth defect annually.
There are more than 4,000 known birth defects.
Birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life and account for more than 1 in 5 infant deaths.
For babies born with birth defects in 1992, estimated lifetime costs total 48 billion.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 1995, 11.6% or 453,722 babies were born to women over 35.

From the book Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists:

All human cells have 46 chromosomes each possessing between 50 million and 250 million base pairs of DNA molecules in each chromosome.
A gene is a segment of DNA that is coded to pass along a certain trait.
The body has about 50,000 to 100,000 genes.
There is a 1 in 4 chance of passing a genetic disorder on to the child if both partners carry the same recessive disorder. A 1 in 2 chance if either carries a dominant disorder.
In the United States:
1. About 1 in 625 African Americans has sickle cell disease and 1 in 10 are carriers.
2. 1 in 2,500 Caucasians have cystic fibrosis and 1 in 25 are carriers.
3. About 1 in 800 babies is born with Down Syndrome.

Facts from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine:

About 7% of still births and neonatal deaths have chromosomal abnormalities.
Recurrent miscarriages may be due to genetic abnormalities.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - PGD was first performed in 1989.
Nearly 200 babies have been born following the first PGD.
Over 200 disorders could potentially be prevented by using PGD to screen gender based disorders.

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