Outlines
In what follows, we will give you an overview of the texts and videos provided with the topic of three-parent babies, presenting the different issues and opinions found in the material.
I: Is it OK to make babies from 3 parents’ DNA?
Author: CBS News
Genre: Video
Year of Publication: 2015
“Is it OK to make babies from 3 parents’ DNA?” is a news video published on the CBS News website, accompanied by a written article.
In the video, two female anchors inform the viewers that the British House of Commons has passed a bill allowing scientists to make babies using DNA from three parents. The anchors mention that the UK is about to be the first country in the world to approve this medical technique and explain how three-parent babies are made.
According to the news report, the babies would have genes from a mother and father, and a female donor. While the procedure is meant to prevent babies being born with genetic diseases caused by faulty mitochondria, critics argue that it also paves the way for creating designer babies.
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II: Fiona Bruce: ‘There will be no going back for society’
Author: BBC News/James Gallagher
Genre: Video
Year of Publication: 2015
“Fiona Bruce: ‘There will be no going back for society’” is the title of a video included in the BBC News article “MPs say yes to three-person babies”, published in 2015.
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III: Rachel Kean has a family history of mitochondrial disease and says the technique could be hugely beneficial
Author: BBC News/James Gallagher
Genre: Video
Year of Publication: 2015
This video is included in the BBC News article “MPs say yes to three-person babies”, published in 2015. The video represents an interview with Rachel Kean during the show BBC Breakfast.
In the video, Kean points out that only a small number of families are affected by mitochondrial disease and would be beneficiaries of the medical procedure creating three-parent babies. She argues that the technique would change their lives and next generations’ lives for the better.
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IV: MPs say yes to three-person babies
Author: BBC News/James Gallagher
Genre: Article
Year of Publication: 2015
This is an article written by James Gallagher and published on the BBC News website. The text is divided into several parts and is followed by an analysis of the topic, by the same author.
The article presents the result of the vote by British MPs in the House of Commons which approves the creation of babies with DNA from three people. The vote results showed that 382 MPs were for and 128 against the change.
The news report informs us that another favourable vote is needed in the House of Lords, but that it is likely that the first three-parent baby will be born in 2016.
The article presents opinions which are both for and against the medical procedure.
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V: ‘Designer babies’ debate should start, scientists say
Author: BBC News/James Gallagher
Genre: Article
Year of Publication: 2015
The article “‘Designer babies’ debate should start, scientists say” was written by James Gallagher and was published on the BBC News website.
Gallagher presents the opinions of scientists on the impact that genetic research might have on future babies. The concept of ‘designer babies’ refers to the process of editing genes in the embryo stage, which might lead to babies having specific traits or being born immune to certain diseases.
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