Non Invasive Prenatal Testing: A Comparative International Conference. (360G-Wellcome-109592_Z_15_Z)

This 3-day workshop will bring together 23 multi-disciplinary international researchers and health care professionals to explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of the global expansion of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) with an emphasis on including non-Western and low and middle income countries (LMIC). NIPT is a relatively new prenatal screening technology that became available commercially in China in 2010[1], the US in 2011[2], and Europe in 2012[3]. It is now available vari ably across the globe. NIPT analyzes cell free DNA circulating in maternal blood to provide information about the risk of selected conditions (such as Down syndrome) earlier in pregnancy and without the procedural risk to the fetus of standard invasive methods[4]. NIPT is rapidly diffusing to LMIC and non-Western nations including India, South America, the Middle East[5], and some African nations[6]. Very little is known about the implementation of NIPT internationally or its ethical implication s in varied national and cultural contexts--a critical gap this conference addresses. Conference papers will form the basis of a special journal issue reflecting key findings. The workshop will be hosted by the Brocher Foundation (Geneva). This application requests supplemental travel funds specifically for researchers from non-Western and LMIC countries.