UK Wedding News
25/02/2015
The new legislation was approved by the House of Lords on Tuesday.
The move means that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) can now consider granting licences to use a new IVF-based technique.
The technique, which has been pioneered by scientists at Newcastle University, is known as 'mitochondrial donation' and is said by some experts to help prevent deadly genetic diseases. The process works by removing defective mitochondria – which are passed only from mother to child – and replacing them with the healthy mitochondria of another woman.
The nuclear DNA, which contains 99.9% of genetic material from the mother and father, remains unchanged, but as mitochondria have a tiny amount of their own DNA, any child as a result of the treatment would have genetic information from three people.
It is thought up to 150 couples in the UK could benefit from the process each year, but has also led many to questioned the safety, not to mention the ethics, of such a method.
The new regulations are expected to come into force on 29 October. Clinics would be able to apply to the regulator for a licence the following month, meaning the first baby could be born as early as 2016.
Professor Doug Turnbull, Professor of Neurology and a consultant at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University, said: "This is wonderful news for patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease.
"Mitochondrial donation has undergone essential scientific, ethical and parliamentary scrutiny. I am delighted that the House of Lords supported the regulations with such enthusiasm."
Professor Mary Herbert, Professor of Reproductive Biology, added: "Our task now is to continue our research aimed at maximising the success of future treatments and to gather the scientific evidence required for affected families to make informed decisions.
"We look forward to learning more about the HFEA's requirements for granting a licence to offer the new techniques in clinical treatment."
The Catholic Church and Anglican Church in England have voiced their opposition to the legislation.
(JP/CD)
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UK Approves Three-Person Baby Law
The UK has become the first country to allow the creation of babies from three people.The new legislation was approved by the House of Lords on Tuesday.
The move means that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) can now consider granting licences to use a new IVF-based technique.
The technique, which has been pioneered by scientists at Newcastle University, is known as 'mitochondrial donation' and is said by some experts to help prevent deadly genetic diseases. The process works by removing defective mitochondria – which are passed only from mother to child – and replacing them with the healthy mitochondria of another woman.
The nuclear DNA, which contains 99.9% of genetic material from the mother and father, remains unchanged, but as mitochondria have a tiny amount of their own DNA, any child as a result of the treatment would have genetic information from three people.
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It is thought up to 150 couples in the UK could benefit from the process each year, but has also led many to questioned the safety, not to mention the ethics, of such a method.
The new regulations are expected to come into force on 29 October. Clinics would be able to apply to the regulator for a licence the following month, meaning the first baby could be born as early as 2016.
Professor Doug Turnbull, Professor of Neurology and a consultant at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University, said: "This is wonderful news for patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease.
"Mitochondrial donation has undergone essential scientific, ethical and parliamentary scrutiny. I am delighted that the House of Lords supported the regulations with such enthusiasm."
Professor Mary Herbert, Professor of Reproductive Biology, added: "Our task now is to continue our research aimed at maximising the success of future treatments and to gather the scientific evidence required for affected families to make informed decisions.
"We look forward to learning more about the HFEA's requirements for granting a licence to offer the new techniques in clinical treatment."
The Catholic Church and Anglican Church in England have voiced their opposition to the legislation.
(JP/CD)
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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
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