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Photo of mitochondria from Wikicommons
Mitochondrial donation will become legal in Australia, with a controversial bill passing the Senate after a conscience vote.
A bill to allow the technology under what is called "Maeve's Law", was passed by 37 votes to 17 last night.
The law is named in honour of a little girl named Maeve Hood, who has severe mitochondrial disease.
Advocates, from affected families to scientific heavyweights, are celebrating the decision.
But other experts are calling for caution, with some arguing the decision to legalise the technology was premature.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt was a vocal supporter of the bill.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday evening, he acknowledged Maeve and her mother, Sarah, who live in his electorate and inspired the bill.
"It is globally leading mitochondrial legislation to give hope to families across Australia," Mr Hunt said.
Advocate David Thorburn, a mitochondrial researcher at Murdoch Children's Research Institute, welcomed the decision.
"Mitochondrial diseases impact on at least one child born in Australia each week," Professor Thorburn said.
"Affected patients typically suffer severe disease affecting their brain...