‘Three-parent’ babies to prevent deadly genetic diseases: Scientists
5 Feb 2015 11:59 PM GMT
Mitochondrial DNA transfer allows in-vitro-fertilisation (IVF) clinics to replace an egg’s defective mitochondrial DNA with healthy DNA from a female donor, to prevent children suffering debilitating conditions like muscular dystrophy. The technique is controversial because it would result in babies having DNA from three people.
Advocates of the new procedure say around 2,500 women could benefit from mitochondrial donation in Britain, equating to around 150 births a year, the Telegraph reported. The procedure, developed by British scientists, was passed on Tuesday in the House of Commons,where 382 MPs were in favour and 128 against the technique. Professor Doug Turnbull from the Newcastle University believes the procedure is “very good news for patients with mitochondrial DNA disease and an important step in the prevention of transmission of serious mitochondrial disease.”
“The intention in making these regulations is to ensure that mothers who carry faulty mitochondria can have healthy children free from devastating and often deadly conditions caused by serious mitochondrial disease,” said Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England.
Advocates of the new procedure say around 2,500 women could benefit from mitochondrial donation in Britain, equating to around 150 births a year, the Telegraph reported. The procedure, developed by British scientists, was passed on Tuesday in the House of Commons,where 382 MPs were in favour and 128 against the technique. Professor Doug Turnbull from the Newcastle University believes the procedure is “very good news for patients with mitochondrial DNA disease and an important step in the prevention of transmission of serious mitochondrial disease.”
“The intention in making these regulations is to ensure that mothers who carry faulty mitochondria can have healthy children free from devastating and often deadly conditions caused by serious mitochondrial disease,” said Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England.
Next Story
