Is it possible to undergo surrogacy using the “three-parent” technique?

You may have heard about the “three-parent” technique and wonder if it can be used in a surrogacy process. Although it sounds very futuristic, it is a technique that already exists and has generated a lot of interest due to its potential to prevent hereditary diseases.

What is the three-parent technique?

The technique known as mitochondrial transfer or “three-parent” is an advanced method of assisted reproduction that uses genetic material from three different people: the nuclear DNA of the mother and father, and the mitochondrial DNA of a donor.

This technique was originally designed to prevent serious genetic diseases that are passed on through the mother’s mitochondria.

How exactly does it work?

This process involves:

1. Removing the nucleus (which contains most of the DNA) from the egg of the future mother.
2. Inserting this nucleus into a donated egg, whose nucleus has been previously removed but which retains healthy mitochondria.
3. Fertilizing this new egg with the father’s sperm through in vitro fertilization.
4. Transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus of the surrogate mother.

Can it be used in surrogacy?

Currently, this technique is not commonly used in surrogacy processes, although it can be used and Gestlife has a special program in Albania with this technique at . Its use is highly regulated and restricted due to the ethical, legal, and medical concerns involved. Only a few countries, such as the United Kingdom, have passed specific legislation for its limited use and exclusively to prevent serious mitochondrial diseases.

Specialized companies such as GestLife include this technique in their standard programs.

In what specific cases might it be considered?

It would only be considered in specific medical situations, particularly when there is a significant risk of transmission of serious mitochondrial diseases from mother to child, and in countries where its use is clearly permitted and regulated.

Ethical considerations

The three-parent technique raises important ethical debates because it involves genetic manipulation of the embryo. The most common concerns include:

• The potential long-term impact on the baby’s health.
• Possible unknown effects on future generations.
• Ethical issues related to the genetic identity of the child.

For these reasons, its use is strictly limited to specific medical cases and is highly regulated.

Which countries allow this technique?

Currently, the United Kingdom is one of the few countries that has explicitly authorized this technique under strict regulations and medical controls. Other countries are still engaged in legal and ethical debates on the matter and do not allow it. However, these techniques are practiced in other countries such as Albania and Ukraine, where there is no legislation regulating or prohibiting them.

Alternatives to the three-parent technique

If you are interested in surrogacy and preventing genetic diseases, there are other widely used and safe alternatives, such as:

• Preimplantation genetic selection.
• Use of carefully screened egg or sperm donors.

These alternatives are available through agencies such as GestLife, which advise prospective parents on the best procedure for their medical and personal needs.

Conclusion

Although the three-parent technique exists, its use in surrogacy is currently very limited and regulated. For most cases, other more accessible and safer options are preferable.

FAQs about the three-parent technique

– Is it common to use the three-parent technique in surrogacy?
No, it is not common due to ethical, legal, and medical restrictions.

– What is the main objective of this technique?
To prevent the transmission of serious mitochondrial diseases.

– In which countries is this technique permitted?
Mainly in the United Kingdom under strict regulation, although it is also permitted in Albania and Ukraine.

– What alternatives are there to prevent genetic diseases?
Preimplantation genetic selection and the use of genetically healthy donors.

– Are there any risks associated with this technique?
Yes, there are ethical and potentially unknown long-term risks.