AG Waring, of Coombe Meadows, Chillington, writes We would be wise to ignore the hype engendered by government proposals to legalise three-parent IVF treatment, so called mitochondrial transfer. Much is made of this new technology and those in favour use sick children as a moral argument to portray doubters as heartless and uncaring. Mitochondrial transfer would result in a baby whose genetic make-up includes contributions from three individuals. In theory it will prevent the passing on of certain mitochondrial diseases. The science is highly complex, but the bottom line is that the procedure is ethically objectionable on the grounds that it involves extensive manipulation of early human life. Individuals are to be treated as products that can be manipulated to our own preferences. One of the techniques, PNT, requires the destruction of an existing embryo. The procedure causes irreversible changes to the human germline, crossing a significant ethical and technological barrier. We have no idea what this means for the future health of the child, or indeed future generations. Germline modification is illegal in many countries and international declarations and treaties condemn it strongly. The techniques proposed are not cures as such and will not benefit those already suffering from mitochondrial diseases. The measures are intended not to cure, but to eliminate carriers. Unesco and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics have expressed caution. For all the fine words of its supporters, we simply do not know if mitochondrial transfer works. The research calls for a considerable increase in the number of women donating eggs for the experiment, as a result of which ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome can result, which is a painful and debilitating disorder. In summary, there are ethical and public safety concerns and the Government is taking a great risk in endorsing this legislation before the public has had the opportunity to assess the dangers and risks involved. If you have any doubts, you should not delay in contacting your MP to express your concern.