As reported here a couple of weeks ago, we’re funding research into a novel in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique that may prevent inherited mitochondrial disorders from being passed from parents to their children.
The announcement attracted some misleading headlines of ‘three-parent babies’ in the media. As Michael Regnier wrote, this isn’t quite right. But the advent of a medical advancement always warrants responsible discussion about new ethical issues being raised.
The Nuffield Council of Bioethics, which is part-funded by the Trust, has launched a working group to look at the ethical aspects of mitochondrial donation. As part of this, they’ve opened a public consultation, calling for views on the issue. Further details are available on the Council’s briefing page on mitochondrial donation. The closing date for submissions is 5pm, Friday 24th February 2012.
Dylan Williams
Dylan Williams is undertaking a work placement at the Wellcome Trust
Filed under: Biomedical Sciences, Medical Humanities Tagged: Bioethics, Ethics, Mitochondria, Mitochondrial disease, Nuffield Council on Bioethics Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
