Non-invasive prenatal testing: public and doctors should be consulted, says BMA

The BMA has the backing of doctors to lobby the government to undertake a consultation on the views of the public and medical profession on new non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and whether limits should be set on its use.

Disability advocacy groups welcomed the passing of a motion at the BMA’s annual representative meeting in Brighton on 27 June which said that “the time is right” for a consultation on the matter.

The move increases the pressure on the government to undertake a proper consultation and ethical review of NIPT. Last year, an open letter1 signed by …