Tri-parent Baby Technology and Preservation of Lineage: An Analysis from the Perspective of Maqasid al-Shari'ah Based Islamic Bioethics

Sci Eng Ethics. 2019 Feb;25(1):129-142. doi: 10.1007/s11948-017-9980-5. Epub 2017 Oct 25.

Abstract

Tri-parent baby technology is an assisted reproductive treatment which aims to minimize or eliminate maternal inheritance of mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The technology became popular following the move by the United Kingdom in granting license to a group of researchers from the Newcastle Fertility Centre, Newcastle University to conduct research on the symptoms of defective mtDNA. This technology differs from other assisted reproductive technology because it involves the use of gamete components retrieved from three different individuals. Indirectly, it affects the preservation of lineage which is important from an Islamic point of view. This paper aims to analyze and discuss the implications of the tri-parent technology on preservation of lineage from the perspective of Maqasid al-Shari'ah based the Islamic bioethics. The analysis shows that there are a few violations of the preservation of lineage, hence the tri-parent baby technology should not be permitted.

Keywords: Assisted reproduction; Bioethics; Islamic bioethics; Maqasid al-Shariah; Mitochondrial disorders; Tri-parent baby technology.

MeSH terms

  • Bioethics*
  • DNA, Mitochondrial*
  • Germ Cells
  • Humans
  • Islam*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / genetics*
  • Morals
  • Mothers
  • Mutation
  • Parents*
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / ethics*
  • Technology
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial