Couple opt for designer baby to cure son of rare disease

BRITAIN’S first genetic “designer” baby has been born to a couple desperate to cure their young son, who has a rare form of anaemia.

Jamie Whitaker was delivered by Caesarean section on Monday after being genetically matched, while still an IVF embryo, to his four-year-old brother, Charlie. His parents travelled to the United States after British authorities refused to give Jayson and Michelle Whitaker permission for treatment.

Charlie can only be cured of the rare Diamond Blackfan anaemia by a stem cell transplant from a sibling with a perfect tissue match.