By Simon Rocker
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is reserving judgment on the new fertility technique to enable the creation of a baby by three people.
But Reform Senior Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner welcomed this week's House of Commons vote in favour of the procedure, which is designed to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases from mother to child.
In a statement, the Chief Rabbi and the London Beth Din said that Jewish law "views positively procedures that would prevent the birth of children stricken with serious genetic disease and developments that help parents to be blessed with the gift of children. However, the full halachic implications of the new developments need to be considered." There were "a number of legal and ethical ramifications which as a community and a society we must consider thoughtfully and carefully".
The technique would prevent diseases caused by damaged cell membranes called mitochondria by combining DNA from the parents with mitochondria from a donor. But experts stress that the technique would not affect the appearance or personality of the child.
Rabbi Janner-Klausner welcomed the move. She said: "It's not about three parents, it's about an adult donor enabling someone to live a healthier life. It's a positive medical intervention which continues the partnership between people and God in improving health."
There are ramifications we consider thoughtfully and carefully