A revolutionary technique that could give children three genetic parents is set to be pioneered in the UK, it was announced today.
The technique would allow affected families to avoid having children suffering from mitochondrial disorder.
The government said it plans to consult on the detail of introducing the treatment following a finding of overall, general public support for the treatment.
The go-ahead to use the procedure would allow doctors for the first time to alter human eggs or embryos.
The technique involves combining eggs or embryos with donated eggs or embryos.
The donor eggs and embryos have their nuclear DNA stripped out and replaced with the genetic material from the would-be parents. This means that children born as a result carry the mitochondria of the donor. The mitochondria in a cell are responsible for generating energy and unlike other DNA is inherited solely from the mother.
About 12,000 people in the UK live with mitochondrial disease.
Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: "Mitochondrial disease, including heart disease, liver disease, loss of muscle co-ordination and other serious conditions like muscular dystrophy, can have a devastating impact on the people who inherit it. People who have it live with debilitating illness, and women who are affected face passing it on to their children.
"Scientists have developed ground-breaking new procedures which could stop these diseases being passed on, bringing hope to many families seeking to prevent their future children inheriting them.
"It’s only right that we look to introduce this life-saving treatment as soon as we can."
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