The United Kingdom has seen the birth of its first babies created using an experimental technique known as mitochondrial donation, which combines DNA from three people to prevent the children from inheriting rare genetic diseases. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has confirmed that fewer than five babies have been born this way and that the technique has been rigorously tested and regulated to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The technique is only used in cases where the mother is at risk of passing on serious genetic diseases to her children and is not used to create designer babies or to alter the characteristics of the baby.