Mitochondrial Replacement in the Clinic

This article discusses the clinical implications of mitochondrial replacement techniques, including their use for preventing severe mitochondrial diseases and treating infertility. The procedure, often referred to as creating "babies with three parents," involves transferring mitochondria from a donor to a recipient oocyte or embryo. While the UK has approved mitochondrial replacement for preventing mitochondrial diseases, its application for infertility treatment remains controversial due to a lack of proven efficacy and potential safety concerns. The article highlights the need for long-term monitoring and ethical considerations, emphasizing that mitochondrial transfer for infertility should not be offered as routine clinical practice without further evidence.

This article discusses the clinical implications of mitochondrial replacement techniques, including their use for preventing severe mitochondrial diseases and treating infertility. The procedure, often referred to as creating "babies with three parents," involves transferring mitochondria from a donor to a recipient oocyte or embryo. While the UK has approved mitochondrial replacement for preventing mitochondrial diseases, its application for infertility treatment remains controversial due to a lack of proven efficacy and potential safety concerns. The article highlights the need for long-term monitoring and ethical considerations, emphasizing that mitochondrial transfer for infertility should not be offered as routine clinical practice without further evidence.