MPs are discussing the new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill in the Commons today, with interest focusing on some of the more controversial proposals. It's the bill which is at the root of all our current rules and regulations about IVF and embryo research.
The MPs will be able to vote according to their conscience on issues such as hybrid embryos, which cause particular difficulty for Roman Catholics. Hybrid embryos are created using a mixture of human and animal genetic material, and have great potential to help in the treatment of genetic conditions. They are never allowed to develop, and there is no possibility of a hybrid embryo being implanted into a womb and becoming a viable pregnancy, but some feel even an embryo is a step too far.
Then there's the issue of what are known as "saviour siblings" where parents use diagnostic tests along with IVF to have a new baby who will be genetically matched to an existing child with serious medical problems. Bone marrow or cells from the umbilical cord of the new baby can then be used to help save the existing child.
And there's also the issue of the "need for a father". The curent law says clinics must consider this before carrying out IVF treatment. In reality, it's something clinics often choose to ignore anyway, as lesbian couples and single women have been having fertility treatment for many years. Getting rid of this is sometimes seen as an attack on the role of the father, which is perhaps a rather emotive response to an overdue update in order to stop the law being discriminatory.
It will be interesting to see how MPs choose to vote on the bill, and whether they are more swayed by the scientific arguments, religious opinion or their own instinctive qualms about some parts of the legislation. You can read more here
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