The passing of legislation through the House of Commons, to allow the commencement of three-person IVF has followed years of debate and medical research.
The decision came after British MP’s voted for the prevention of genetic disorders, such as mitochondrial diseases, by allowing laws that affected the DNA structure of IVF procedures.
The new laws allow for a third female DNA to be added to the ‘nuclear’ embryo, which can eliminate the risk of mitochondrial diseases, such as diabetes and muscle wasting, being passed from mother to child.
Scientists say that the third embryo acts as a donor, only extracting the healthy mitochondria and not affecting characteristics or traits. This procedure also aids in determining the health of future generations with the ability for the DNA to be transmitted through future children.
Prime Minister David Cameron stated: “We’re not playing god here, we’re just making sure that two parents who want a healthy baby can have one.”
While the laws are still pending a pass vote in the House of Lords, if all goes to plan, the first three-person IVF baby could be born as soon as next year.
