ABSTRACT
Since the first successful case of in vitro fertilization in 1978 and its extension to genetic diagnosis, a multiplication of technological and medical possibilities often far removed from the initial scientific discovery has been initiated. Initially most countries developed guidelines contained in ‘rules for guidance’ with some additional circulars which were not legally binding per se. Due to the explosive growth of the fertilisation techniques these guidelines have quickly become new legislation throughout most of Europe. The great variety of legal regulations reflects the different moral heritages of each country corresponding to the many aspects of traditions, customs and in some cases the degree of possible relationships between a state and a respective religious and moral persuasion. The great variety of legal regulations reflects the different moral heritages of each country corresponding to the many aspects of traditions, customs and in some cases the degree of possible relationships between a state and a respective religious and moral persuasion.
