MPs back triple DNA babies bid

David Cameron was among MPs who took the historic step today of approving what critics have called "three parent babies" in order to prevent devastating inherited diseases.

The MPs voted for a change in the law that means Britain is set to be the first country in the world to permit mitochondrial donation, which involves conceiving IVF babies with DNA from three different people.

But, speaking shortly before the vote, the Prime Minister insisted there was no question of "playing God".

The move to amend the 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which forbids IVF treatments that affect inherited "germline" DNA in eggs and sperm, was carried by 382 votes to 128.

Labour leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also exercised their free vote to support the decision.

If the House of Lords ratifies the change - which seems likely - the first baby conceived with the procedure could be born by the end of next year.

The child would have "nuclear" DNA determining individual traits such as facial features and personality from its two parents, plus a tiny amount of mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) from an anonymous woman donor.

Research has shown that mitochondrial donation could potentially help almost 2,500 women of reproductive age in the UK.

All are at risk of transmitting harmful DNA mutations in the mitochondria, tiny rod-like power plants in cells, onto their children and future generations.

Mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) is only involved in metabolism and makes up just 0.1% of a person's genetic code.

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MPs back triple DNA babies bid