UK becomes first country to allow mitochondrial donation

Britain has become the first country in the world to allow mitochondrial donation to prevent serious genetic inherited diseases, after the House of Lords voted in favour of a change in the law to permit new in vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques.

Peers voted by 280 to 48 in favour of new regulations on 24 February, three weeks after MPs in the House of Commons approved the techniques by 382 votes to 128.1 The vote has been hailed as “wonderful news for patients and families” and a “great day for UK science” by leading scientists.

The regulations governing the techniques will come into force at the end …