Heidi Mertes

Heidi Mertes is an ethicist at the University of Ghent in Belgium, who has raised important ethical considerations regarding mitochondrial donation. She argues that while this innovative therapy can reduce the risk of mitochondrial diseases, it does not eliminate it entirely. Mertes advocates for a careful approach to terminology, suggesting that the mitochondrial donor should not be referred to as a 'third parent' but rather as a 'genetic contributor.'