Cystic fibrosis baby hope
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NINE OUT of ten couples who risk having a baby with cystic fibrosis can opt for new fertility treatment that will ensure they have a healthy baby.
Researchers have developed a technique that could soon become widespread in British fertility clinics, to allow couples who both have the cystic fibrosis gene to opt for assisted reproduction. The method involves transferring only healthy embryos into the woman's uterus.
Cystic fibrosis affects many bodily functions including breathing, digestion and reproduction, because the glands which produce mucus, saliva and intestinal fluid do not operate properly. Although the average life expectancy for someone with cystic fibrosis has improved since the Sixties from five years to 31, three people die from the disease every week.
One in 25 people in Britain carries the cystic fibrosis gene. If a couple both carry the gene they have a one in four chance of having a baby with cystic fibrosis.
Scientists from the Academic Hospital in Maastricht, the Netherlands, told the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology that the technique offered an alternative for women whose pre-natal diagnosis left them with a choice between abortion or a child with cystic fibrosis. The technique is available at London's Hammersmith Hospital.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments