New Zealand's first birth following PGD

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is something new for New Zealanders. It was first allowed by the government only last year and is subject to tight restrictions. The New Zealand government has budgeted $500,000 to pay for PGD where there is a risk of passing on a serious genetic disorder. PGD for sex selection is not permitted in New Zealand, except to avoid sex-linked conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The first birth following the use of PGD with IVF happened last month for a 39-year old woman who had miscarriages for five years due to a frequently occuring genetic disorder in her embryos. She gave birth to healthy twins.