Despite its limitation, preconception genetic diagnosis by 1PB testing might be very helpful for Italian couples at genetic risk that, fearful of having babies with genetic illnesses and unwilling to accept a possible pregnancy termination, have been forced to seek a PGD treatment abroad to circumvent restrictions of Italian law, by resorting to so-called ‘reproductive tourism’ (Pennings, 2004).
It may avoid the difficulty of being away from home for a long period in a foreign country, which makes the already psychological situation of at risk couples all the more difficult. This procedure can also give hopes to many couples which are unable to obtain that service abroad because of the limited economic means.
The possibility to perform preconception genetic diagnosis in Italy can give them the opportunity to have a free access to IVF techniques, which is covered by public health insurance, re-enabling the constitutional right of equality of access to heath care.