Key Takeaways
- Eight babies have been born in the UK using a new IVF technique involving DNA from three contributors, aimed at preventing mitochondrial diseases.
- This method, known as three-person IVF, has generated both excitement and ethical debate within the scientific community.
- Prior cases of similar procedures have raised concerns about genetic abnormalities and the effectiveness of mitochondrial donation.
Three-Person IVF: A Breakthrough with Caution
Recent advancements in reproductive technology have led to the birth of eight babies in the UK as part of a pioneering IVF technique utilizing DNA from three individuals. This innovative approach targets genetic mutations that can lead to mitochondrial diseases in children by incorporating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from a donor.
The term “three-parent babies” is commonly used, though many in the scientific community argue it misrepresents the situation since only the nuclear DNA comes from the intended parents. The mtDNA—comprising just a small portion of total inherited DNA—involves contributions solely from a third party to mitigate risks from the intended mother’s potential genetic mutations.
The history of three-person IVF dates back to the 1990s when Jacques Cohen and his team attempted to treat infertility by injecting healthy mtDNA into the eggs of intended mothers. This preliminary research eventually yielded 17 births, but it was halted after observing genetic abnormalities in two fetuses and a developmental disorder in one child.
Fast-forward to 2016, the method saw revival when John Zhang, heading New Hope Fertility Center, successfully performed three-person IVF for a couple in Mexico. With the intention of avoiding a lethal mitochondrial disease, Zhang’s controversial procedure led to the birth of a healthy baby boy, validating his approach despite significant backlash regarding ethical considerations and lack of regulatory oversight.
Subsequently, in 2017, following a wave of outrage, a Ukrainian clinic announced a birth linked to three-person IVF. By this time, the UK had begun licensing its own trials for mitochondrial donation, even as clinics around the world explored various methods. Reports indicate that a total of 15 children have been born from mitochondrial donation across multiple Ukrainian clinics, although the total number of such births globally remains unclear due to a lack of shared results.
While the recent UK births are celebrated as milestones in mitochondrial donation, the outcomes highlight challenges. Of the eight babies born, three exhibited concerning amounts of mutated mtDNA, suggesting inherited health risks. Similar observations were reported in other related trials, raising questions regarding the long-term viability and safety of mitochondrial donation.
The births represent both significant progress and a sobering reminder that the quest for healthy offspring through advanced reproductive technologies is far from foolproof. As scientific understanding evolves, continued scrutiny and study will be essential to address outstanding issues surrounding genetic inheritance and the implications of three-person IVF.
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