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HagiaSophia
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Key points
• MPs’ report recommends selection embryos on sex or genetic imperfections
• Report also to allow for half-human half-animal embryos for research
• Half of committee dismiss conclusions; watchdogs call them ‘libertarian’
Key quote
“Taboo subjects such as cloning, chimeras and hybrids and so-called eugenics must be tackled head-on in a rational debate leading to principled and coherent legislation” - conclusion of summary to report
**MPs will today recommend giving the go-ahead to couples to create “designer babies” and allowing the experimental implantation of human embryos into animals, as part of a radical shake-up in fertility laws. **
If accepted, it could allow couples, in consultation with their doctors, to select embryos on the basis of their sex, to weed out genetic imperfections, or to create a “saviour sibling” - a child that can provide life- saving treatment to an ill brother or sister.
The science and technology select committee report, which will also recommend the scrapping of regulators, the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority, has criticised the precautionary approach used up until now, instead arguing that new technologies should be used until harm is proved.
But late last night, a few hours before the study was due to be officially published, half of the committee launched a scathing attack on its findings and condemned a “rush to publish” by the other members.
news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=313952005
• MPs’ report recommends selection embryos on sex or genetic imperfections
• Report also to allow for half-human half-animal embryos for research
• Half of committee dismiss conclusions; watchdogs call them ‘libertarian’
Key quote
“Taboo subjects such as cloning, chimeras and hybrids and so-called eugenics must be tackled head-on in a rational debate leading to principled and coherent legislation” - conclusion of summary to report
**MPs will today recommend giving the go-ahead to couples to create “designer babies” and allowing the experimental implantation of human embryos into animals, as part of a radical shake-up in fertility laws. **
If accepted, it could allow couples, in consultation with their doctors, to select embryos on the basis of their sex, to weed out genetic imperfections, or to create a “saviour sibling” - a child that can provide life- saving treatment to an ill brother or sister.
The science and technology select committee report, which will also recommend the scrapping of regulators, the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority, has criticised the precautionary approach used up until now, instead arguing that new technologies should be used until harm is proved.
But late last night, a few hours before the study was due to be officially published, half of the committee launched a scathing attack on its findings and condemned a “rush to publish” by the other members.
news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=313952005
