Everything you need to know about mitochondrial donation and 'designer babies'.

It could eliminate genetic diseases, but not everyone is happy about mitochondrial donation.

The process, which involves creating babies using genetic material from three people, means that science can save babies from being born with mitochondrial diseases, which can cause problems such as deafness and diabetes.

So what is mitochondrial donation, exactly? In a nutshell, a donor egg is used to replace mutated genes before the fertilised egg is transferred back to the mother.

It is claimed that the donor egg only accounts for around one per cent of the baby's genetic make up - but it's enough for the process to be described as creating "three-parent babies".

The problem? It is banned in Australia and around the world due to fears it could see the rise of 'designer babies'.

But things could be changing. The UK has recently reversed its ban, becoming the first country to allow the controversial practice.

That means the first baby created via mitochondrial donation could be born as early as next year.

Depending on the success of the process overseas, demand could grow around the world. For example, according to the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, about one in 250 people, or more than 90,000 of us, will carry a mitochondrial genetic defect.

But while supporters of mitochondrial donation say it will prevent unnecessary suffering and create a healthier population, critics say it could be the first step towards designer babies, and that it could open the door to parents picking and choosing their child's physical traits.

Whether you support mitochondrial donation or not, it's a fascinating insight into what the future might look like...

Do you think mitochondrial donation should be legalised?