Mitochondrial inherited disorders are progressive and may cause very severe disease, suffering and premature death. They are inherited from the mother and can be caused by aberrations in the mitochondrial DNA. Novel techniques are being developed that may provide a possibility to prevent children from inheriting the disorders from their mothers. The techniques involve replacement of damaged DNA with DNA from healthy donors in the process of IVF. The ethical issues that are raised by this new technology will be highlighted in an open seminar hosted by the Council.
On 28 February, the Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics presented a new report on assisted reproduction. Topics that are explored are, among others, surrogate motherhood, embryo donation, social egg freezing and age limits concerning fertility treatments. The ethical analyses are accomplished by the Council´s recommendations on several matters. One of the main conclusions is that it is time to allow new treatment possibilities in Sweden.