lifenews.com
2023-05-19
A baby with DNA from two mothers and one father has been born in the United Kingdom as a result of an experimental new reproductive procedure.
According to the Catholic News Agency, the British government allows the DNA alterations for human embryos at risk of serious mitochondrial diseases.
Earlier this week, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a branch of the British health department, confirmed that the first baby in England was born as a result of the treatment. However, a report by The Guardian indicates there may be up to three more, according to CNA.
"Mitochondrial donation treatment offers families with severe inherited mitochondrial illness the possibility of a healthy child," the HFEA said in a statement. "The HFEA oversees a robust framework which ensures that mitochondrial donation is provided in a safe and ethical manner."
The agency said 32 families have been approved for the treatment so far through its Statutory Approvals Committee.
The experimental genetic procedure involves taking DNA from the eggs of two mothers and the sperm from one father in a lab to create a human embryo without mitochondrial defects, which are passed on through the mother. Then, the embryo is implanted in the mother's womb.