Down syndrome: Bundestag wants to examine the use of prenatal tests

The Bundestag wants to monitor the use of non-invasive prenatal blood tests more closely. With a majority of 529 votes to 18 against and 23 abstentions, Parliament adopted a proposal from a cross-party group of MPs. This calls on the federal government to introduce monitoring in order to obtain more data about the practical application of the tests.

The tests use a blood sample from the pregnant woman to provide information about possible genetic changes in the unborn child. Specifically, we look for trisomies 13, 18 and 21 - also known as Down syndrome. These changes can affect the child's physical and mental development.

Since 2022, the blood tests can be paid for by statutory health insurance companies under certain conditions. However, critics fear that this examination is being used more regularly than is actually medically necessary.

Test is low risk

According to the application, a committee of experts should now examine the legal, ethical and health policy basis of the health insurance company's approval. Shortly before the debate, the initiators agreed on a change with another group of MPs: This would ensure that pregnant women's access to the health insurance-financed blood test "is not made more difficult if there is a justified medical indication".

It is not about restricting or even abolishing prenatal blood tests as a health insurance benefit, emphasized one of the applicants - CDU politician Michael Brand - in the debate.

The blood test is significantly less risky for the pregnant woman and child than an amniocentesis. However, it does not give a certain diagnosis, only the probability of a genetic change. But because this alone can cause parents concern or result in an abortion, the test is also viewed critically. It should therefore only be used in justified cases with appropriate advice.

The number of tests has been increasing for years

However, the number of tests used has been increasing continuously for years. According to a study by Barmer, almost every second pregnant insured person takes advantage of the blood test. Critics complain that the test risks becoming a routine examination.

According to the application, the results of the monitoring should be available to the Bundestag by the end of June 2027 at the latest.

With information from Dagmar Pepping, ARD capital studio