Juan M. Palomares-Cantero, Dirección Académica de Formación Integral, Universidad Anáhuac México, Huixquilucan, Estado de México, México
Mitochondrial donation therapy (MDT) is an advanced biotechnological technique developed to prevent the transmission of hereditary mitochondrial diseases. This procedure involves the creation of embryos using genetic material from three individuals: a mother, a father, and a mitochondrial donor. While MDT offers significant medical advances by preventing the transmission of serious diseases, it also presents substantial ethical and legal challenges. The main ethical concerns revolve around the redefinition of genetic identity, parentage, and the protection of the rights of the child born from this procedure. Furthermore, there is an ongoing biolegal debate regarding the potential use of MDT for non-medical genetic selection, which could pave the way for eugenic practices. This article analyzes national and international regulatory frameworks and underscores the need for robust regulations that protect human dignity, ensure equitable access to the technology, and promote the responsible use of MDT, particularly in the Mexican context, where legislation must evolve to address these emerging challenges.
Keywords: Bioethics. Biolaw. Three-parent embryos. Mitochondrial donation. Legislation and genetic identity.