Social and ethical issues in mitochondrial donation: Fig. 1

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.