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Novel techniques for the prevention of mitochondrial DNA disorders : an ethical review

Executive summary

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics conducted a six-month inquiry into the ethical issues raised by new techniques that aim to prevent the transmission of maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA disorders.To assist with this enquiry, the Council appointed a Working Group with varied expertise, including in science, medicine, philosophy and ethics. The Working Group took evidence from and met people representing a wide range of opinion and prepared a report, adopted by the Council, which is intended to support and promote public debate around these important and difficult issues.

Introduction

Inherited genetic disorders caused by mutated mitochondrial DNA are progressive and can cause a wide spectrum of severe health problems including heart and other major organ failures, stroke, dementia, blindness, deafness and premature death. Symptoms of these disorders can appear at any time from birth, on a wide range of severity. There is currently no cure for these disorders.

New variations of IVF techniques are being developed that aim to replace damaged mitochondria by using part of a donated egg from a healthy individual. The intention is to allow women carrying disorders of mitochondrial DNA the chance to have healthy children that are genetically related to them, but born free of those disorders. Such techniques are not currently permitted for treatment use under UK legislation.

This report sets out the ethical considerations arising from the possible use of such techniques for treatment in the future. The issues that it discusses include:

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