Scientists confirmed on Tuesday that the world's first baby had been born using a controversial technique that combines the DNA from three different people in the embryo.

The baby boy was born in Mexico five months ago to Jordanian parents. He is reportedly healthy, according to an exclusive report in the New Scientist.

The United States has not yet approved the new method, known as mitochondrial transfer. Dr. John Zhang of the New Hope Fertility Center in New York City and his team performed the procedure in Mexico, where, he said, "there are no rules."

Many outside experts welcomed news of the birth. However, some voiced concern given that many aspects surrounding research behind the technique is still not fully understood. Others also criticized the team for performing the procedure outside of regulatory medical frameworks. 

Zhang told the New Scientist that saving lives was "the ethical thing to do," and that the baby was healthy and doing well.

(DW)