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Free access to the future: Russia has expanded the program of genetic tests for expectant parents
Since the beginning of 2026, couples planning to have a child in Russia have been given the opportunity to undergo modern genetic tests for free to prevent hereditary diseases in children. Testing is carried out at the expense of compulsory medical insurance funds under the state guarantee program. For more information, see the Izvestia article.
Free genetic tests for expectant parents are included in the compulsory medical insurance program
Starting in 2026, the program of state guarantees of free medical care includes genetic tests for monogenic diseases (PGT-M) and structural chromosomal rearrangements (PGT-SP) for Russians planning to become parents. This was announced by Natalia Dolgushina, the chief freelance specialist of the Russian Ministry of Health on women's reproductive health.
"They are recommended to be prescribed to patients who have a high risk of having children with hereditary diseases (carriers of gene mutations that cause monogenic diseases and carriers of chromosomal abnormalities)," Dolgushina clarified.
Parents who already have children with diseases identified during the extended neonatal screening will also be eligible for free screening.
Thus, genetic diagnostics becomes available to a wide range of families in need of prevention of hereditary pathologies.
Genetic screening of newborns in Russia and the development of disease prevention
Russia already has a system of free screening of all newborns for 36 hereditary diseases. The list includes hereditary metabolic diseases, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy.
The genetic testing of future parents was commissioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in early 2025. Such examinations make it possible to detect severe pathologies at an early stage and start treatment in a timely manner.
These measures are aimed at reducing the risks of having children with hereditary diseases and developing preventive medicine.
Free non-invasive prenatal CHI testing starting in 2026
Since 2026, noninvasive prenatal testing for pregnant women has also been included in the program of state guarantees of free medical care. This was announced on January 19 by Natalia Dolgushina.
According to her, pregnant women with an average and high risk of having a child with chromosomal abnormalities will be able to receive this service under the compulsory health insurance program according to the prenatal screening of the first trimester.
The study is conducted from the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, since it is from this period that fetal DNA in most cases circulates in the blood of a pregnant woman in sufficient quantity for analysis.
Testing can be performed in both single and double pregnancies.
Which medical examinations are available to expectant parents for free
Comprehensive diagnostic examination is one of the key tasks in preparation for pregnancy. The expectant mother needs to be examined by an obstetrician-gynecologist at a women's clinic. The future father of the child is recommended to visit a urologist. These specialists provide recommendations for further examination, prescribe referrals for tests and diagnostic tests.
A woman can be referred for preventive vaccinations, as well as to specialist doctors to identify hidden infectious diseases.
Both future parents should visit a general practitioner at the polyclinic to which they are attached. The therapist will measure blood pressure, help identify chronic diseases, and give recommendations on lifestyle adjustments.
If you have a family history of hereditary diseases, it is advisable to visit a geneticist.
The list of tests when planning pregnancy under the compulsory medical insurance policy
The expectant mother needs to undergo the following tests:
— tests for genital infections;
— general blood test;
— general urinalysis;
— determination of glucose levels in venous blood plasma;
— blood type and Rh factor analysis;
— blood tests for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C;
— blood test for the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone and antibodies to thyrooperoxidase;
— blood test for class G and class M antibodies to rubella virus.
According to the doctor's instructions, a man is recommended to undergo a study of sperm and prostate secretions.
A woman may additionally be prescribed ultrasound of the pelvic organs, breast examination, cytological examination of the cervix, smear microscopy and electrocardiogram.
Both future parents are recommended to consult a dentist for oral sanitation.
Results of medical examinations and further supervision of parents
After receiving the results of all the tests, the obstetrician-gynecologist and the urologist at the repeat appointment draw a conclusion about the state of health of the expectant parents. Specialists determine the need for prevention or treatment of identified diseases and pathologies.
In some cases, parents may need additional examinations to clarify the diagnosis or choose the tactics of medical support.
The expansion of the program of free genetic research and comprehensive examinations is aimed at improving the quality of medical care and reducing the risks of hereditary diseases in Russian families.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
