Screening embryos involves the destruction of those that do not make a certain grade.
A British couple will be told this week they can screen their embryos to avoid a gene that leads to high cholesterol levels and possible heart attacks, according to press reports.
In a decision to be officially announced this week, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is expected grant a licence for the controversial test.
According to The Times, while the procedure is designed to detect a rare version of a disease called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), which often kills children before puberty, it will also identify a milder form that can be controlled by drugs and diet.
This could mean that some embryos are destroyed which may otherwise develop into children with reasonably healthy lives.
Screening embryos is highly controversial. Opponents point out that, not only does it involve destroying embryos that don't make a certain grade, but it also opens the door to so-called 'designer babies'.
Although the HFEA has granted licences for embryo screening in the past, it has only been for untreatable, highly serious conditions. This new move, if approved, will break new ground.
A Government Bill on fertilisation and embryology is currently making its way through the House of Lords. It includes proposals to allow embryo screening.
Critics say it would be presumptuous of the HFEA to approve such a highly controversial procedure before Parliament has voted on the matter.
