title: "Mitochondrial Replacement" Technologies and Human Germline Nuclear Modification.
abstract: In 2015 the United Kingdom became the first jurisdiction to approve "mitochondrial replacement techniques" (MRT), thereby dropping prohibitions against creating human embryos with a permanently altered genetic make-up for purposes of reproduction. MRT is a misnomer because in fact it is the nucleus of the oocyte of the woman who wants a genetically related child that is transferred to the enucleated oocyte of a woman paid to undergo IVF to provide the oocyte. MRT thus constitutes nuclear transfer, which is prohibited by criminal sanctions under sections of laws on reproductive cloning in Canada, the United States, Australia, and European countries that regulate assisted reproduction. By adopting policies permitting the use of MRT, the United Kingdom has become the first jurisdiction to counteract an international consensus prohibiting germline modification. Analyses of the legal, ethical, and societal implications of MRT in assisted human reproduction are essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London ON.
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London ON; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nisker
mesh_terms: D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D000069321:Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D053652:Nuclear Transfer Techniques / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Mitochondrial replacement; ethics; regulation