Three Parents ?

The government are considering whether to allow the manipulation of the fertilisation of an egg to eliminate bad genes which may be carried by the female ovum. It involves using an egg provided by a female donor with most of the DNA taken out except for the specific genes which are faulty in the mother. Her genes, apart from the bad genes, and the male sperm are injected into the donor egg. Thus three people are involved. Is this progress or a step towards designer babies ?

Re: Three Parents ?

Its to eliminate DNA defects in the Mitachondria which the mother carries.

If this helps to eliminate 'nasty' diseases - sobeit, bring it on - the sooner the better.

Re: Three Parents ?

Yes its such a good case for it - so no problem here ......

Re: Three Parents ?

I agree UJ

According to the BBC news a baby would inherit
..so only a small proportion of donor DNA is involved here.

I would say in no way could any baby resulting from mitachondria DNA donorship be classed as having 'three parents' .

Re: Three Parents ?

This is a wonderful break through in medical science, and it was achieved in this country.
This is one of the most exciting thing that has ever happened, we are getting closer to eternal life.
Think of all the nasties that man suffers from, eventually removing the lot, and this will be a step forward for the NHS paying its way, remove the illnesses before they happen.

Re: Three Parents ?

What a wonderful thought Arfa ......
Just to remove the heartbreak of ongoing illness is much to be praised .....

Re: Three Parents ?

It is another fantastic breakthrough in medical science.

It is amazing what these 'so-called experts' can come up with isn't it.

Re: Three Parents ?

I'm sorry Meg but 3 people contribute to the baby however you think of it.

Re: Three Parents ?

Not the first Alan, when someone has a transplant more than three are involved.
The recipient, the donor and I don't know how many more with blood, which could mean an enormous amount of people.
You can't possibly knock that can you, our scientists are streets ahead of the rest of the world in this field.
Just imagine if they could rid the black community of the syclecell problem, it would be a marvellous achievement.

Re: Three Parents ?

Wonderful step forward IMO and we should be proud our country is in the forefront of this development.