The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) gave the green light to preconception genetic tests to determine whether people carry conditions that could be passed on to their future children.
The HGC developed the guidance following a request for advice from the UK National Screening Committee.
The UK committee will now decide whether widespread screening should be introduced in places such as GP surgeries, family planning centres, IVF clinics and pharmacies.
Diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease can develop in youngsters if both parents are carriers of the genetic condition.
At the moment, only people with a known risk of inherited disease, or those with access to local programmes, can get the tests.
See more
