A number of healthcare providers have applied for a licence to carry out blood tests on embryos to test for genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome.

The Volkskrant says the NIPT test is simpler, cheaper and more accurate than current methods of testing for problems but requires the approval of the health council. It is expected to publish its findings after the summer, the paper says.

In March, the health minister stopped a number of gynaecologists from two university teaching hospitals from carrying out trials using the test pending official permission.

According to a poll for television programme Altijd Wat, which will be broadcast on Tuesday evening, a large majority of pregnant women think the test should be introduced as soon as possible and one-third would actually have it.

The NIPT test can be done from eight weeks of pregnancy.