French Regulations on Genetic Testing Genetic Testing Regulations in France Genetic testing in France In France, as reported below, regulations on genetic testing were voted by Parliament in July 1994.
Strict penalties can apply in case of abuse.
Prenatal diagnosis is defined as medical techniques aimed at detecting in utero a particularly severe disorder. It must be preceded by genetic counselling and must be carried out in authorised establishments. The purpose of the test is limited to finding the affection, and looking for ways to prevent and treat it. Genetic testing is the subject of this report, which outlines the ethical principles that must be respected in testing for genetic disorders. The topics covered by these guidelines are prenatal diagnosis, preimplantation diagnosis and predictive testing for late onset diseases.