1. 3 updates

Three-person IVF consultation

The public is being asked for their opinion on the ethics of using three people -two parents and a donor woman - to create one baby using IVF to eliminate debilitating and fatal genetic conditions.

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Your views on 'three parent' babies

On the ITV News Facebook page we have been asking what you think about the use of 'gene selection' to prevent children being born with inherited diseases. Is it a positive medical development or is it going too far? Here are some of your views:

I've got a son, conceived naturally, and very much wanted. However, he has a number of serious health problems that are more prevalent in boys. I'm too scared to risk another, because his life is HARD. I'd like to be guaranteed a girl in the hopes of reducing the chances of having another child whose life is a constant struggle and heartache

– Karen Louise Bird

Wrong. Somethings you just dont mess with and human life is one, we are to be what we are, picking and choosing the way a life will or won't be is so so wrong.

– Jo Newbrooks

There are many reasons for which this should be used. Where the child will live a very unhappy and painful life and be unable to enjoy life. It should not be used for making the child beautiful ie blonde hair blue eye etc... Medical issues only

– Andrea Thomas

Choosing babies' genetic make-up is 'unchartered territory'

A public consultation launches today to hear people's thoughts on 'gene selection' to prevent children being born with serious diseases.

The consultation will discuss new techniques, known as mitochondria replacement, which could enable women to avoid passing genetic diseases on to their children by using a donor’s mitochondria to create a healthy embryo.

We find ourselves in unchartered territory, balancing the desire to help families have healthy children with the possible impact on the children themselves and wider society.

– Lisa Jardine, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

The decision about whether mitochondria replacement should be made available to treat patients is not only an issue of great importance to families affected by these terrible diseases, but is also one of enormous public interest

– Lisa Jardine, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

Children born following mitochondria replacement would have the DNA of 'three parents'

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