Three-Parent Babies

Ooplasmic transfer is supposed to overcome deficiencies in the oocyte that prevent fertilization. The result, in some cases, is a baby that has genetic material from three parents. Mitochondrial DNA from the ooplasm donor has been detected in 2 of the 15 babies born using this technique. The oldest child is now over four months and appears to be healthy.

Jacques Cohen, scientific director of the Institute, dismisses ethical concerns. Although the babies have been modified at the germline level by the addition of new mitochondrial DNA, Cohen comments "we haven't changed any genes."

And we thought custody battles were difficult with two parents...

Link (via BoingBoing)

Posted by JeremyT at October 19, 2004 04:58 PM