Menu
03/02/2015
MPs To Hold Debate On Mitochondrial Donation
MPs will debate a motion to approve the draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 in the House of Commons today, 3 February.
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, which will be the first to offer mitochondrial donation if parliament agrees to new regulations of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990), have now calculated how many women have disease-causing mutations in their mitochondrial DNA in order to estimate how many could potentially benefit. The new regulations only allow for mitochondrial donation to prevent mitochondrial disease and set no precedent for genetic manipulation of nuclear DNA.
They calculate that 2,473 women in the UK, and 12,423 women in the US, aged between 15 and 44 years, are at risk of passing on potentially lethal mitochondrial DNA disease to their children. This equates to an average of 152 births per year in the UK, and 778 births per year in the US.
Dr Gráinne Gorman from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, and joint first author of the paper, said: "Our estimate of how many women could benefit from mitochondrial donation is based on our data from North East England, where we have very detailed insight into how many women are affected. We are confident that there are a similar number of women across the UK at risk of passing on mitochondrial disease to their children.”
Professor Doug Turnbull, Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, and an author of the paper, said: "Our findings have considerable implications for all countries that are considering allowing mitochondrial donation techniques. In the UK we are waiting for parliament to decide whether to support these regulations. This would allow women who carry these mutations greater reproductive choice."
(CD/IT)
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, which will be the first to offer mitochondrial donation if parliament agrees to new regulations of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990), have now calculated how many women have disease-causing mutations in their mitochondrial DNA in order to estimate how many could potentially benefit. The new regulations only allow for mitochondrial donation to prevent mitochondrial disease and set no precedent for genetic manipulation of nuclear DNA.
They calculate that 2,473 women in the UK, and 12,423 women in the US, aged between 15 and 44 years, are at risk of passing on potentially lethal mitochondrial DNA disease to their children. This equates to an average of 152 births per year in the UK, and 778 births per year in the US.
Dr Gráinne Gorman from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, and joint first author of the paper, said: "Our estimate of how many women could benefit from mitochondrial donation is based on our data from North East England, where we have very detailed insight into how many women are affected. We are confident that there are a similar number of women across the UK at risk of passing on mitochondrial disease to their children.”
Professor Doug Turnbull, Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University, and an author of the paper, said: "Our findings have considerable implications for all countries that are considering allowing mitochondrial donation techniques. In the UK we are waiting for parliament to decide whether to support these regulations. This would allow women who carry these mutations greater reproductive choice."
(CD/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2012
Govt To Consult Public On Embryonic Treatment Plan
The Secretary of State for Health has asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to seek public views on emerging IVF techniques to prevent a rare disease.
Govt To Consult Public On Embryonic Treatment Plan
The Secretary of State for Health has asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to seek public views on emerging IVF techniques to prevent a rare disease.
30 October 2014
National Sperm Bank Launches In Birmingham
A national sperm bank has launched in Birmingham. The centre is a collaboration between the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) and Birmingham Women's Hospital, and aims to address the shortage of sperm donors in the UK. The number of UK-based sperm donors has increased since 2004, but demand has increased at a more accelerated rate.
National Sperm Bank Launches In Birmingham
A national sperm bank has launched in Birmingham. The centre is a collaboration between the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) and Birmingham Women's Hospital, and aims to address the shortage of sperm donors in the UK. The number of UK-based sperm donors has increased since 2004, but demand has increased at a more accelerated rate.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
16 March 2010
Drive For More Sperm Donation
Calls have been made for more British men to donate sperm to help those suffering from fertility problems. The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) said it needs to reach a minimum target of 500 donors this year to help couples in need. At present only 384 men are on the UK sperm donor register.
Drive For More Sperm Donation
Calls have been made for more British men to donate sperm to help those suffering from fertility problems. The National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) said it needs to reach a minimum target of 500 donors this year to help couples in need. At present only 384 men are on the UK sperm donor register.
08 July 2005
Emergency contraception ‘does not encourage’ unsafe sex
The sale of the ‘morning-after’ pill over the counter in the UK has not increased its use or changed patterns of use, a new study has found. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) has been available without prescription to British women aged 16 or over since January 2001, costing between £20-£25.
Emergency contraception ‘does not encourage’ unsafe sex
The sale of the ‘morning-after’ pill over the counter in the UK has not increased its use or changed patterns of use, a new study has found. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) has been available without prescription to British women aged 16 or over since January 2001, costing between £20-£25.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
