Response to Government Proposals for revised legislation on Human Fertility & Embryology - chimeras, hybrids, screening and selection

2.32.01pm GMT Thu 14th Dec 2006

Dr Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat member of the Science & Technology Select committee and a member of the BMA medical ethics committee responds to today's white paper outlining the Government's proposals for revising legislation on human fertility and embryology.

'hybrid' embryos created by human nuclei and enucleated animal eggs

In response to the Government's proposal of a complete ban on such research, Dr Harris said:

"The Government are wrong to propose a complete ban in respect of research using an embryo created by combing a human nucleus and an animal egg with their nuclear DNA taken out. Such entities are practically human and surely do not require greater protection than fully human embryos."

Embryo screening for medical reasons

The Government proposes that Parliament should define some limites or criteria that apply to testing of embryos. Dr Harris responded:

"It is disappointing that the Government has insisted that what is now routine screening of embryos for medical conditions should still be subject to extra regulation in addition the usual and manifold regulation of healthcare that exists in this country already - involving professional regulation, college and NICE guidelines, clinical ethics committees, informed consent, and the healthcare commission. This is unjustified over- regulation."

Embryo selection for family balancing

The Science & Technology Select Committee inquiry into human fertilisation technologies and the law recommended that sex selection for family balancing be permitted. The Government has proposed that sex selection for family balancing should be prohibited. Dr Harris said:

"I am disappointed that the Government has rejected the Science and Technology Select Committee view on this issue, without providing a good reason to bar families with - say - three boys from using medical technology to try to ensure they have a girl"

"The intrusiveness and disproportionality of this decision will become clear when the Government try to ban DIY home methods of sperm sorting as they admit they will have to do."