Three-parent IVF to be debated by MPs within weeks ================================================== ![Three-parent IVF to be debated by MPs within weeks](https://vardags.com/images/pictures/_360/3f85b5535fb31fce83f85390949e74a5.png)Eighteen months ago [we reported on](https://vardags.com/family-law/uk-first-country-three-parent-ivf/) the proposals for legislation on so-called three-parent IVF. Now, the controversial regulations look likely to go before MPs in the next few weeks - certainly before the general election in May - [the *Independent* has reported](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/exclusive-threeparent-ivf-treatment-to-be-legal-within-weeks-9956951.html). The Department of Health has confirmed the impending debate to the newspaper, even though there are still safety concerns. If MPs vote in favour of the legislation, the procedure could be carried out later this year as [The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2015/9780111125816/contents) come into force on 29th October. It would make the UK the first country in the world to legalise the practice. 'Three-parent IVF' is the process by which the mitochondrial DNA of a woman who carries a hereditary disease is replaced with healthy mitochondria from a donor woman. It is sometimes referred to as 'mitochondrial donation' or 'mitochondrial replacement therapy'. The process offers hope for mothers who might otherwise be at risk of passing on unhealthy mitochondrial DNA to a child; this is because mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally. Critics of the process are concerned that it represents a "slippery slope" towards the manufacture of designer babies and will be open to abuse. However, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority will assess each case individually and the assessment process will be rigorous. Also, mitochondrial disease is rare, affecting one in every 6,500 children; as such it is estimated that as few as ten cases a year could be approved. Children born using this method of IVF will not be able to identify the donor of the healthy DNA, which will account for less than 0.2% of the baby's genetic material. This news comes only a matter of weeks after [it was announced](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/24/science-skin-cells-create-artificial-sperm-eggs) that scientists in Cambridge have used skin cells to create primitive forms of artificial sperm and ova. "Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." ![The Huffington Post](https://vardags.com/images/logo/huffpost.png) "Ayesha Vardag - Woman of the Year"![GG2](https://vardags.com/images/logo/gg2-3.png) "Leading, Magic Circle law firm."Mr Justice Coleridge "A handful of firms dominate the so-called 'glamour' end of the market ... Vardags"The Times "One of the best divorce lawyers in the country"Marie Claire "Ayesha Vardag - 'diva of divorce' for the world's super rich" ![BBC](https://vardags.com/images/logo/bbc.png) "Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius."Lewis Marks KC "Ayesha Vardag - the Queen of divorce"Daily Mail "Vardags brilliantly argued my case to a resounding victory"Pauline Chai (client) "Britain's top divorce lawyer" ![The Telegraph](https://vardags.com/images/logo/telegraph.png) More Family Law news -------------------- [Baroness Cox introduces report on Islamic marriages in England](https://vardags.com/family-law/islamic-marriages-in-england "Baroness Cox introduces report on Islamic marriages in England") ['Mutual recognition of protection measures' across EU member states](https://vardags.com/family-law/mutual-recognition-of-protection-measures-across-eu-member-states "'Mutual recognition of protection measures' across EU member states") [Three-parent IVF to be debated by MPs within weeks](https://vardags.com/family-law/three-parent-ivf-to-be-debated-by-mps-within-weeks "Three-parent IVF to be debated by MPs within weeks") [Stephen Fry and other modern celebrity marriages](https://vardags.com/family-law/stephen-fry-and-other-modern-celebrity-marriages "Stephen Fry and other modern celebrity marriages") [Waiting for the Children and Families Bill](https://vardags.com/family-law/the-children-and-families-bill-2013 "Waiting for the Children and Families Bill")