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Couples are to be offered a simple test to stop them passing on any of more than 100 genetic diseases to their children.

The £700 kit, which could be available in weeks, is billed as having the power to eliminate illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia.

But experts warned the simple test was unnecessary and could lead to 'back door eugenics'.

Parents would be able to ask for embryos to be screened out through IVF treatment or abortion if they were at risk of passing on a serious disease.

The test's inventors, who plan to sell it online and through a fertility clinic, say it can protect children from the pain and indignity of serious and incurable diseases.

Those with a family history of conditions such as cystic fibrosis are already entitled to screening on the Health Service.

But the new test from Californian company Counsyl will inform families about the risks of scores of other diseases, including some which affect fewer than ten babies a year.

Couples planning to have children would give saliva samples which...