Germany approves genetic testing of human embryos

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's parliament agreed in a conscience vote on Thursday to allow the limited use of genetic testing of human embryos.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) -- in which a cell or two are extracted from a developing embryo to test for genetic disorders -- has divided governments around the world, with many people opposing it on religious and ethical grounds, or arguing that it would let parents choose a "designer baby."

The new law will allow screening embryos of parents who have a predisposition to severe genetic disorders, where a pregnancy would be likely to result in either stillbirth or miscarriage....