The UK has become the first country in the world to legalise the creation of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) babies using DNA from three people after peers overwhelmingly backed the proposals.
The House of Lords voted by 280 to 48, majority 232, on a free vote to throw out a move to block regulations introducing mitochondrial donation techniques after an impassioned debate lasting nearly four hours.
The first baby conceived using DNA from three different people may be born as early as next year.
Peers yesterday voted to make the UK the first country in the world allowing the creation of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) babies using three parents.
The procedures are aimed at preventing serious inherited mitochondrial diseases.
A three-parent child would have "nuclear" DNA determining individual traits such as facial features and personality from its two parents, plus a tiny amount of mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) from an anonymous woman donor.
Opponents, including church leaders and pro-life groups, have warned that the change has been brought about too hastily and marked the start of a "slippery slope" towards designer babies and eugenics.
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.