27/04/2026
What is “Three-Parent IVF”?
You may have heard the term “three-parent IVF” in the media, but what does it actually mean?
This advanced fertility technique, also known as mitochondrial donation, involves genetic material from three people — the mother, the father, and a female egg donor. The aim is to help prevent certain serious inherited mitochondrial diseases from being passed from mother to child.
In this process, the mother’s nuclear DNA (which contains almost all of the genes that determine a child’s characteristics) is transferred into a donor egg that has healthy mitochondria. The egg is then fertilised with the father’s s***m through IVF.
While the donor provides healthy mitochondrial DNA, the vast majority of the baby’s genetic information still comes from the mother and father. The goal is to allow families affected by mitochondrial disease to have a healthy child while maintaining a genetic connection to both parents.
Advances in reproductive medicine continue to provide new possibilities for families facing complex fertility and genetic challenges.
If you would like to learn more about fertility treatment options, Dr Terry Sheahan offers personalised care and guidance to help you understand the best path forward.
https://www.drsheahan.com.au/three-parent-ivf/