Embryos to be screened for severe squint

A decision by British IVF doctors to screen embryos for a couple to ensure that any baby that they have will not inherit congenital fibrosis of the extra-ocular muscles has come under fire from critics.

In a world first, the London Bridge fertility centre was given the green light to select an embryo free from the genes which cause the condition to ensure that the baby does not suffer from a severe squint.

The licence to screen the embryos was granted by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), because the father-to-be and his father inherited the condition.

However, this development has triggered a debate which has raised new fears that 'perfect' designer babies will soon be available to order. Critics argue that the use of screening for an essentially cosmetic problem is another step towards babies made to order.