Why three-parent babies are the way forward Some people view the technique as controversial because it involves 'germ line' modification of the embryo's DNA. This means some mitochondrial DNA will be passed on from the third party to the child, and to future generations as well. But this is healthy mitochondrial DNA that will simply replace the unhealthy mitochondrial DNA that would have caused health problems for the baby. Health problems that in some cases can be fatal. This is NOT the nuclear DNA - i.e. no DNA that actually influences the child's genetic exterior make-up will be passed on. So yes, there is DNA from three people in the child, but the genetic characteristics of the child are those of the natural mother and father. I like to explain it using the example of a laptop with a dying battery. You may replace the battery but where does the energy actually come from? The emotional stress of caring for and then losing much-wanted children cannot be trivialised. Our moral arbiters would have you believe the scientific community has been sliding down the slippery slope of moral decline for many years, when in reality it is they who are out of touch with society's aspirations and hopes. This pioneering work to prevent potentially fatal disease and to give couples an opportunity to have healthy babies is to be applauded. Although more detailed regulation is required, following public consultation, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority broadly supports this work and rightly so. There is no reason to think this new technique is not safe. It is, however, as always, incumbent upon all involved to ensure the treatment is safe for all parties involved, primarily the children. Mr Rimington gained his accreditation as a consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist in 1997 then quickly entered full time private practice as an infertility specialist. His area of special interest is the management of women with polycystic ovarian disease, on which subject he has published widely. In 2004 he joined with Mark Wilcox to form the South East Fertility Clinic and set up a new assisted conception service in Tunbridge Wells. He is the designated Person Responsible for the unit as registered with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.