Critics caution against opening a 'Pandora's box' which could lead to a trend towards 'designer babies'

By Fiona Macrae

PUBLISHED: 19:56 EST, 11 June 2012 | UPDATED: 19:56 EST, 11 June 2012

The creation of babies with three genetic parents would be an amazing opportunity for families whose lives have been blighted by incurable diseases, say an eminent group of experts on ethics in science.

The influential Nuffield Council on Bioethics conceded that while those with religious views might view the advance as an abomination, there is no ethical reason to stop it, provided it is proved to be safe and effective.

The approval comes as pressure builds on the Government to amend the law to allow the genetic engineering of eggs and embryos, creating babies free of devastating genetic diseases.

Three parents? Ethicists have decided that mixing DNA from more than two parents is acceptable if it is used to cure hereditary diseases

The children would effectively have two mothers and one father. Those in favour say it would give couples who have endured the heartbreak of miscarriages and stillbirths, and children who have died while still young, the option of having a healthy family.

But critics say the science is too risky and the safety of the baby should take precedence over a womans desire to be a mother.

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Experts on ethics back creation of babies with three parents saying it is 'amazing opportunity' for families blighted ...

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