The New York Times recently released an article discussing how law makers in London have
voted to allow in-vitro fertilization with the DNA of three individuals. Using the
DNA of three people can prevent the inheritance of genetic diseases. Many
objections have been made. Many countries
such as the United States have not taken steps in this direction. This
procedure is designed to help women with mitochondrial diseases have healthy
children. These types of mitochondrial defects include muscular dystrophy,
heart, kidney, and liver failure. The child would inherit the characteristics of
the parents besides the mitochondrial defect. A donors healthy mitochondria
will be passed to the child. Many who oppose this treatment fear a future of
designer babies. The Church of England argues for more time and research before
this treatment is made legal. This movement still requires final approval from
the House of Lords and the unelected upper chamber of Parliament.
This is a great medical advancement. My step cousin Keith was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was eight years old. His body slowly started to deteriorate and he was put in a wheel chair at twelve and died from the disease at twenty six. His sister Sam has been crushed by this whole experience. Not only did she loose her older brother, she now fears to have children. This treatment can allow her and others who may have mitochondrial abnormalities to have healthy children.
I agree with you Cassie. This discovery has the potential to help women who have damaged mitochondria to have healthy children.The In vitro fertilization procedure using the DNA of three people prevents the child from being affected and inheriting the parents genetic diseases.
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