Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve—€™s Law) 2021

# Mitochondrial Donation Law Reform (Maeve's Law) 2021 ## What it does This law legalises mitochondrial donation—a medical technique where doctors replace faulty mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells) in an embryo with healthy ones from a donor. The procedure aims to prevent children from inheriting serious genetic diseases passed down through the mother. It changes Australia's existing laws on human embryo research to allow this specific technique under strict medical oversight. ## Why it matters Mitochondrial diseases can cause severe, lifelong health problems or early death. This law gives Australian families affected by these conditions access to a treatment that's already legal in countries like the UK. It's named after Maeve, a child affected by mitochondrial disease, highlighting the real human need behind the change. ## Key details - **Medical licensing required**: Only approved research institutions and clinics can perform mitochondrial donation—it's not a free-for-all. The National Health and Medical Research Council must issue specific licences before any procedure happens. - **Commencement**: The law received Royal Assent but the actual procedure rules take effect later (within 6 months max) once the government finalises the specific regulations and licensing requirements. - **Who it affects**: Primarily families where the mother carries mitochondrial disease genes, along with fertility clinics and research institutions involved in embryo research.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament