Brain surgery before birth fixes abnormal artery in 34-week-old fetus
New ScientistDec 25, 2022
The Facts
The first baby with DNA from three people has been born in the UK through a special in vitro fertilization procedure known as mitochondrial donation treatment, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority confirmed on Tuesday.
Though it didn't reveal identities due to confidentiality, the authority said the number of first "three-parent babies" is less than five in the UK as of April 20.
The Spin
Narrative A
Since this technique allows a mother to prevent passing on defective genes in the mitochondria to her child, the breakthrough is good news for families who have lost multiple children to inherited mitochondrial diseases. While it needs to be monitored closely and carefully, the treatment is highly regulated and provided safely and ethically.
Narrative B
While this procedure is designed to prevent mitochondrial diseases, it isn't without risk. Besides the possibility of defective DNA replicating better than healthy DNA, changing the child's genetic composition will likely increase the risk of later health problems, such as cancer or diabetes. Also, it could dangerously open the door for "designer babies," where parents can pick and choose preferred genetic characteristics for their child.
