Serious mitochondrial disease: new techniques to prevent transmission
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We received 1,857 responses to this consultation from research bodies, patient bodies, professional organisations, faith organisations, parliamentarians and a large number of individuals.
The majority of respondents commenting on the questions in the consultation were positive about the proposed individual provisions set out in the draft regulations.
Four out of five respondents simply expressed a view for or against the principle of mitochondrial donation.
The government has carefully considered the responses and has decided that its policy position on key details in the draft regulations remains the correct one.
We will proceed with putting regulations before Parliament, subject to further considerations and actions set out in our response.
Original consultation
Consultation description
New techniques have been developed that would prevent serious mitochondrial disease being passed from a mother to her children. They involve the use of disease free eggs or embryos from a donor.
A change in the law would be needed for these techniques to be used in treatment. Draft regulations amending the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990 (as amended) to allow such treatments to be carried out are published today for comment.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 27 February 2014Last updated 22 July 2014 + show all updates
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Updated to include consultation response.
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First published.