Embryo research: Your questions answered about the Bill

May 20 2008 by Tomos Livingstone, Western Mail

What are the flashpoints?

There are four main issues causing friction.

The Bill would give the green light to research using hybrid or “admix” embryos, where the nuclei of a human cell is inserted into an animal egg.

The resulting embryos would be kept for up to 14 days in order to harvest stem cells, which are crucial for many cutting edge medical treatments.

Secondly, the legislation also backs the idea of “saviour siblings” – meaning parents will be allowed to select children whose genetic material could help sick relatives.

Thirdly, the requirement for IVF clinics to consider the “need for a father” when handing out treatment could be removed – giving lesbians easier access.

Amendments have also been tabled by backbenchers which would tighten abortion laws, by reducing the upper limit from 24 weeks to 22, 20 or even 16 weeks.

Why is it so important to science?

Supporters of the Bill believe that the creation of human-animal embryos could help scientists find cures for diseases including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Alzheimer’s.

Currently the availability of stem cells is limited due to shortages in human eggs.

Medical research and technology have progressed hugely since the Human Embryology Act of 1990, and experts say the law needs updating to reflect those changes if medical breakthroughs are to occur.

Who backs it?

The Bill has supporters on both sides of the Commons, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Gay rights protesters and many scientists are all in favour of the proposed embryology changes. Meanwhile, the British Medical Association has insisted there is no evidence that the upper abortion limit needs changing.

Who is against it?

Religious leaders have attacked many elements of the Bill, and Catholic Cabinet ministers and MPs also oppose parts of it.

The Catholic church has said it particularly objects to the use of animal-human embryos, known as “chimeras”, because it believes that a fertilised embryo should be regarded as human, and should not be destroyed or terminated.

Catholics and Church of England figures such as the Archbishop of York criticise the reforms of IVF rules, claiming they undermine the role of fathers and of the family.

Demands for reducing the upper abortion limit are also strongest among religious groups, with claims that scientific advances mean very premature babies now have a chance of survival.

What is the timetable for the Bill?

Following last night’s votes, there are further debates in the Commons today, including on abortion.

If passed by both Houses, the legislation could come into force early next year.