British House of Commons approves '3-parent' in-vitro fertilization procedure

February 03, 2015

The British House of Commons has voted to authorize a technique of in vitro fertilization that allows for the production of human embryos with three genetic parents.

By a vote of 382- 128, the lawmakers allowed for the use of a process in which mitochondria are taken from a donor’s egg, and used to replace unhealthy mitochondria in an egg furnished by the woman who will be the mother of the child. The egg is then fertilized and implanted in the mother’s womb.

If the House of Lords approves the procedure, the first "three-parent" babies could be born next year.

This process, developed to allow women to produce healthy babies despite mitochondrial disease, results in offspring who carry some DNA from the donor, as well as genes from the mother and father.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• MPs say yes to three-person babies (BBC)