Tuesday 3 Jun 2014 9:30 pm
Three-parent babies could be born within two years after watchdogs gave the go-ahead for the controversial IVF method.
The techniques used in the procedure were 'not unsafe' and 'potentially useful', the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority confirmed
But further research, including experiments on human embryos, was needed, it said. So far, only mice and monkeys have been tested.
It is hoped it could help eradicate genetic conditions such as muscular dystrophy and full approval now hinges only on government approval.
More:
http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/03/three-parent-babies-safe-to-be-born-4749131/------
I'm not sure what I think about it, there surely are significant risks of replacing known genetic defects with significantly worse new ones, and risks of abusing it to edit out other traits such as a unwanted hair colour, or a sex variance other than "normal" m/f. Its a dangerous path that makes me uncomfortable.
What if discrimination such as not liking ginger hair, black skin or people who break the gender mould end up getting eliminated before birth from a genetic level? How are we to stop potential profits from pushing lawakers to legalize such morally questionable uses?
