Avoiding ‘selection’?—References to history in current German policy debates about non?invasive prenatal testing

This article investigates the role of historical references and arguments in current policy debate on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) Germany. It analyses major documents opinion statements, including recent parliamentary (2019). The implementation NIPT is accompanied by concerns strong criticism, particularly Many perceive new test to be a problematic step that facilitates selective practices reminiscent eugenics. Analysis German discourse shows ‘eugenics’, even more strongly, ‘selection’, are pivotal terms for rejecting its coverage public health insurance. They touch dimension deliberation, namely fundamental distancing from inhuman National Socialist period anything resembles them. However, using these criticize genetic controversial, demonstrates their avoidance as well, with many supporters limited insurance contrasting approach widespread screening. Here, ‘screening’ has negative connotation, functions demarcate way may reflect distance certain modes reasoning, but still expresses special need reconcile principles dignity, inclusion diversity. aims elucidate involved national debates increase awareness dimensions language reasoning which such methods negotiated today future.