Worldsfeed News Desk, 19 July, 2025:
Babies born with DNA from three people have now become a reality in the UK, marking a major medical breakthrough. This cutting-edge procedure, known as mitochondrial donation treatment (MDT), is designed to prevent the transmission of inherited genetic disorders from mother to child. Scientists and fertility experts hail the move as a life-saving advancement rather than a step toward controversial gene editing.
The treatment involves replacing faulty mitochondrial DNA from the mother with healthy mitochondrial DNA from a female donor. This results in a child with DNA from three individuals—two biological mothers and one father—while keeping over 99.8% of the DNA from the intended parents.
What Is Mitochondrial Donation Treatment?
MDT is used to avoid the transmission of mitochondrial diseases—serious and often fatal conditions caused by defects in the mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. These conditions are passed on maternally, affecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and muscles.
The procedure is conducted during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Scientists remove the nucleus from the mother’s egg, which contains her DNA, and insert it into a donor egg with healthy mitochondria that has had its own nucleus removed. The resulting egg is then fertilized with the father’s sperm and implanted into the mother.
Babies Born, But With Privacy Maintained
While the exact number of babies born through this method remains confidential, the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) confirmed that “less than five” births had taken place by early 2023. All cases were carefully reviewed and approved to ensure medical necessity.
The identities and health outcomes of the babies remain private to protect the families involved. Experts believe this could open a new chapter in reproductive medicine, offering hope to couples affected by mitochondrial diseases.
Not a Step Toward Designer Babies
Despite concerns from some bioethicists, medical professionals stress that this is not about genetic enhancement or creating “super babies.” MDT does not alter traits like intelligence, appearance, or personality. It is a highly specific treatment aimed solely at preventing disease.
Dr. Dagan Wells, a reproductive genetics expert, emphasized, “The aim here is medical—not to improve or choose traits, but to avoid suffering caused by deadly genetic mutations.”
UK Leading the Way
The UK became the first country in the world to legalize mitochondrial donation in 2015, following a public debate and parliamentary vote. The law allows MDT under strict regulation and only in licensed clinics.
As the science progresses, more countries may follow the UK’s lead in offering similar treatments under ethical oversight.
Conclusion:
The birth of babies with DNA from three people is a significant medical advancement, offering families affected by inherited diseases a new path to having healthy children. With proper regulation and ongoing research, mitochondrial donation could be a life-changing solution for many.
Learn more about how gene editing like CRISPR is changing medicine.
According to the official statement by the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), fewer than five babies have been born using this technique.
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