Vote Approves Babies With Three People's DNA

The UK has become the first country to legalise the creation of IVF babies using DNA from three people after a House of Lords vote.

The first child conceived using "mitochondrial transfer" techniques could be born as early as next year after peers voted against blocking a planned law change with a majority of 232.

The procedure, which involves transferring a mother's genes to a donor egg, could allow around 2,500 women in the UK to have their own genetic children without passing on devastating mitochondrial diseases.

But critics, including church leaders and pro-life groups, have warned the change marks the start of a "slippery slope" towards eugenics and designer babies.

Peers rejected an attempt to delay the legislation by former Tory Cabinet minister Lord Debden

The amendment to the 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which forbids IVF treatments that affect inherited "germline" DNA, was approved by 382 votes to 128 in the House of Commons earlier this month.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: "Parliament's decision will bring hope to hundreds of families affected by mitochondrial disease.

"We are proud to be the first country to allow these revolutionary techniques.

"For the first time ever, women who carry severe mitochondrial disease will have the opportunity to have healthy babies without the fear of passing on devastating genetic disorders."

Children conceived after mitochondrial donation would have "nuclear" DNA - which determines traits such as facial features and personality - from their two parents, as well as a small amount of mitochondrial DNA from an anonymous female donor.

The mitochondrial genes are only involved in energy production.

The technique has been pioneered by scientists at Newcastle University.

Alastair Kent, director of the Genetic Alliance UK charity, said: "Today's vote in the House of Lords is a triumph that gives hope to families who otherwise would have to face the prospect of not being able to conceive a child free from a life-limiting disease."