UK's first savior sibling is a 'perfect match' -- and parents are thrilled to have a girl.
A few weeks ago I mentioned the birth of the UK's first savior sibling -- Jodie Fletcher, born after PGD was used to select embryos tissue-matched to her 3-year-old brother, Joshua. Joshua suffers from a rare blood disorder, and despite extensive medical treatment is often in severe pain. His only hope for a cure is from a blood stem cell transplant from a tissue-matched donor.
Genetic tests have just revealed that the Fletchers' new daughter, Jodie, is a perfect match. Jubilant at the news, Joe Fletcher says they are delighted to have a"healthy wee girl".
Jodie's dad, Joe, revealed that of the nine embryos fertilised - just one was female.
"The odds were so against having a girl," he said. "Julie always wanted a girl - we have two boys. But we are both just glad the baby is healthy. That is the important thing."