The unnamed Kerry couple lost their first child before discovering that they both carried a potentially fatal gene, and they were extremely concerned for their newborn as a result.
However, according to reports this evening, the couple’s little girl has been born free from the inherited disease.
The couple previously discovered that they were carrying a gene which affects the production of cholesterol, which can in turn lead to complications in organs such as the heart and kidneys.
With this pregnancy, the couple underwent a Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis, which has been credited as preventing the passing of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome gene to their newborn.
Commenting on the significant development, head of research and development at the Cork Fertility Centre, Dr Xiao Zhang said: “We are really delighted for the couple.”
“It is so important for us here at the clinic to be able to offer an effective PGD service, which requires a number of complex lab techniques to all function perfectly. The ultimate measure of PGD success is a healthy baby,” he added.
