UK Wedding News
22/03/2013
Fertility watchdog, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), this week advised the government that there was no evidence of the advanced forms of IVF being unsafe, the BBC has reported.
A final decision on whether to continue with the proposed techniques, now lies with government ministers.
If the techniques were to be approved, it could help a number of families each year.
Around one in 6,500 children develop serious "mitochondrial disorders" which can be debilitating and fatal, but research suggests that using mitochondria from a donor egg can prevent the diseases. However, it would result in babies having DNA from two parents and a tiny amount from a third donor.
Concerns have been raised both about the safety and the ethics of creating such babies, but a public consultation on the matter did reveal support for the idea.
Professor Neva Haites, who was on the expert panel supervising the consultation, said: "Broadly speaking the public was in favour of these novel techniques being translated into treatments. They felt that any ethical concerns were outweighed by potential benefits."
One of the main concerns raised was of a "slippery slope" which could lead to other forms of genetic modification.
Speaking about the proposed techniques however, the HFEA did advise that any changes to the law should only be for the modification of mitochondria to overcome serious diseases. They said a ban should remain on changes to the main nuclear DNA, which contains the vast majority of a person's genetic code. It also recommended continuing research and monitoring any children born via these techniques (as well as their children) closely.
Making three-person IVF legal would not require a new act of Parliament, but would require a vote in both the Commons and the Lords.
(JP)
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Possibility Increases For 'Three-Parent' Babies
The UK is one step closer to becoming the first country to allow the possibility of creating a baby from three parents.Fertility watchdog, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), this week advised the government that there was no evidence of the advanced forms of IVF being unsafe, the BBC has reported.
A final decision on whether to continue with the proposed techniques, now lies with government ministers.
If the techniques were to be approved, it could help a number of families each year.
Around one in 6,500 children develop serious "mitochondrial disorders" which can be debilitating and fatal, but research suggests that using mitochondria from a donor egg can prevent the diseases. However, it would result in babies having DNA from two parents and a tiny amount from a third donor.
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Concerns have been raised both about the safety and the ethics of creating such babies, but a public consultation on the matter did reveal support for the idea.
Professor Neva Haites, who was on the expert panel supervising the consultation, said: "Broadly speaking the public was in favour of these novel techniques being translated into treatments. They felt that any ethical concerns were outweighed by potential benefits."
One of the main concerns raised was of a "slippery slope" which could lead to other forms of genetic modification.
Speaking about the proposed techniques however, the HFEA did advise that any changes to the law should only be for the modification of mitochondria to overcome serious diseases. They said a ban should remain on changes to the main nuclear DNA, which contains the vast majority of a person's genetic code. It also recommended continuing research and monitoring any children born via these techniques (as well as their children) closely.
Making three-person IVF legal would not require a new act of Parliament, but would require a vote in both the Commons and the Lords.
(JP)
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20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant
Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance
Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth
Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend
Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life
Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle
Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans
Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids
Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters
Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
