Genetically-selected baby heals brother in Spain

In the first such case of its type in Spain, the gift of life has been given to a seven-year-old boy by his newly born baby brother.

Doctors healed Andres from a serious form of anaemia by using blood from the umbilical cord of genetically-selected little Javier. Their delighted mother Soledad Puertas said her oldest son is now “very happy. He has regained the will to play, to eat, it has changed his life.” The procedure in Seville was carried out in January but its success has only now been revealed. Javier was born after IVF that used an embryo not containing the genetic fault his big brother suffered from. The embryo was then implanted in their mother’s womb. Now Andres only returns to hospital for routine visits, although when he grows up he wants to become….a doctor.

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