BRITAIN could become the first country in the world to allow IVF babies to be born with three genetic parents by the end of next year. The landmark decision by the Department of Health - aimed at stopping fatal inherited diseases - has led to a "designer baby" row. The technique will use DNA from a second "mother" for the first time, allowing the altering of minor genetic strands.
New regulations to fertility law allowing the procedures will be issued for public consultation later this year and then debated in Parliament.
If MPs find them ethically acceptable the first patients could be treated within months. It is envisaged that between five and 10 “three parent” babies would be born each year.
Allowing the currently illegal techniques would mark a turning point because it means, for the first time ever, altering the “germ line” made up of inherited DNA.
Experts point out that only the tiny amount of DNA in a cell’s “battery packs”, the mitochondria, would be changed. DNA in the nucleus, which determines individual characteristics such as facial features and eye colour, would remain intact.
But some critics believe the move would mark a slippery slope leading to “designer babies” and eugenics.
Draft regulations making the UK the first country in the world to offer the treatments to women with a family history of mitochondrial disease will be published later th
is year, the Department of Health said today.
