UK okays babies from 3 parents
Three-person IVF which prevents babies from inheriting lethal genetic diseases has been approved by fertility regulator.
London: The first ‘three-parent’ babies could be born in the UK next year after the country’s fertility regulator in a historic decision on Thursday gave the controversial new technique the final go-ahead.
Three-person IVF, which prevents babies from inheriting lethal genetic diseases, has been approved by fertility regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
The first babies created from two women and one man could be born this time next year. Babies born using the technique would receive a tiny amount of DNA from a third woman in addition to genes from its mother and father.
“It is a decision of historic importance. This is about cautious go ahead, not gung-ho go ahead and there is a long way to go. I'm sure patients will be really pleased by what we’ve decided on Thursday,” said HFEA chair Sally Cheshire.
Under the rules, the authority will have to approve every clinic and every patient before the rare procedure can take place. Three-person babies have been allowed in cases in the UK where the risk of a child developing mitochondrial disease is very high. Clinics can now apply to the HFEA for a licence to conduct three-person IVF widely.