The Government laid the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation)Regulations on the 17th December 2014.The Regulations permit two new techniques which seek to replace diseasedmitochondria while allowing a mother to have a genetically related child.The Regulations will be debated within the next couple of weeks.

WHY ARE THESE TECHNIQUES OBJECTIONABLE?

The techniques permit

1. The germ-line modification of human beings;

2. The creation of human life only to be destroyed;

3. The creation of human beings with at least three, and up to four, genetic'parents';

4. The selection of human beings with more desirable characteristics (eugenics).

WHY ARE MANY SCIENTISTS OPPOSING THE REGULATIONS?

1. Many scientists are concerned that not enough preclinical work has been doneto ensure that the techniques are safe. This includes the head adviser to the UnitedStates Food and Drugs Administration, Professor Evan Snyder.It is noteworthy that the last time one of these techniques was tried in humans, itresulted in three fetal deaths and prompted China to impose a blanket ban.

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Urgent call to action on GM babies