Scientists Create ‘Three-Parent’ Human Embryos

Researchers at Columbia University say they’ve developed a way to create human embryos with genetic material from three different parents.

It involves a process called ‘mitochondrial replacement therapy’ where the nucleus from the mother’s egg is removed and transferred to the donor’s egg, which is then fertilized by the father’s sperm. The resulting embryo contains DNA from all three donors.

However, current law on the use of modified embryos forbids scientists from using the embryos to start pregnancies. Researchers are hoping their research helps convince U.S. lawmakers to lift the ban on mitochondrial replacement therapy.

Does a ‘three-parent baby’ sound natural to you? Should scientists be allowed to continue their research? What would be some of the upsides of having three parents?