Discussion

Here, we give you inputs for a discussion of the topic of three-parent babies, using the information in the five texts included in your exam material. We will begin by looking at the pros and cons of three-parent babies and continue with a discussion of future developments in this field.

Pros and Cons

The texts in your exam set present both pros and cons of three-parent babies. Text III focuses on the advantages of this procedure, while text II presents only the disadvantages. Texts I and IV present a balanced view on three-parent babies, including both pros and cons of this scientific development.

The main positive aspect about creating three-parent babies is that the procedure will prevent future generations from developing illness associated with mitochondrial disease. The main negative aspects are the potential unsafeness and the uncertainty of the procedure.

Finally, text V offers you a perspective on the future of DNA editing and the possibility of creating ‘designer babies’.

The pros of three-parent babies mentioned in the exam texts are:It will prevent babies and future generations from being born with genetic diseases caused by faulty mitochondria which are transmitted from mother to child. (Texts I, III and IV)

• It will prevent babies and future generations from being born with genetic diseases caused by faulty mitochondria which are transmitted from mother to child. (Texts I, III and IV)

...

The future of three-parent babies

The texts in your exam material also present or hint at possible future developments when it comes to creating three-parent babies and DNA editing in general. 

As shown in the article “MPs say yes to three-person babies” a short-term consequence of the UK parliament approving the procedure creating three-parent babies is that it will lead to the birth of such babies: “A further vote is required in the House of Lords. It everything goes ahead then the first such baby could be born next year.”; “The first attempt could take place this year, which could lead to the first birth in 2016.”

As a matter of fact, this has already happened. It is now 2017 and the first three-parent baby was born in autumn 2016.

Another future scenario mentioned in the exam material is that the procedure might prove to be unsafe or to affect future generations. In text II, “Fiona Bruce: "There will be no going back for society"”, the MP states that: “[This] ‘will be passed down generations, the implications of this simply cannot be predicted.’ ”

...