Tuesday, February 10, 2015

London to be First to Allow In Vitro Fertilization with Three Parents


 



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.

1 comment:

  1. 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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