Social and ethical issues in mitochondrial donation.

INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND The UK is at the forefront of mitochondrial science and is currently the only country in the world to legalize germ-line technologies involving mitochondrial donation. However, concerns have been raised about genetic modification and the 'slippery slope' to designer babies. SOURCES OF DATA This review uses academic articles, newspaper reports and public documents. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Mitochondrial donation offers women with mitochondrial disease an opportunity to have healthy, genetically related children. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Key areas of disagreement include safety, the creation of three-parent babies, impact on identity, implications for society, definitions of genetic modification and reproductive choice. GROWING POINTS The UK government legalized the techniques in March 2015. Scientific and medical communities across the world followed the developments with interest. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH It is expected that the first cohort of 'three parent' babies will be born in the UK in 2016. Their health and progress will be closely monitored.