Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques

Abstract

In this article, I draw on research carried out in Europe, primarily in Germany, on patients' and scientists' perspectives on mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) in order to explore some of the complexities related to collective representation in health governance, which includes the translation of emerging technologies into clinical use. Focusing on observations, document analyses, and interviews with eight mitochondrial disease patient organization leaders, this contribution extends our understanding of the logic and meanings behind the ways in which patient participation and collective representation in health governance initiatives take shape. My findings highlight the ways in which a commitment to a global mitochondrial disease patient community and a sense of patient solidarity influence expressions of support with regard to legalizing mitochondrial replacement techniques. My analyses illustrate how normative practices and expectations of participatory governance potentially foreclose opportunities for sustained collective patient engagement with the complex ethical, social, and political dimensions of emerging technologies and may silence diverse and potentially dissenting embodied and lived responses to the prospects of particular technological developments.

Pathogenic Mitochondria DNA Mutations: Current Detection Tools and Interventions

“…The first country to allow the clinical use of mitochondrial transfer under license was the United Kingdom in October 2015 [75]. This was followed by the United States (US) in February 2016 with restricted use [76]. The panel of US experts recommended mitochondrial transfer to only be used to generate male babies to prevent the transmission of surrogate donor mitochondria to the future generation [77].…”