Mitochondrial transfer: Ethical, legal and social implications in assisted reproduction

Diseases resulting from mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are inherited by all offspring through the maternal lineage. Multiple organs, which require high cellular energy production, are severely affected. Currently, no preventative treatments are available, with most patients experiencing a poor quality of life or death in childhood. With developments in mitochondrial transfer techniques, hope for preventing transmission of mutated mtDNA...