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Proceeding contribution from Geraldine Smith (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 12 May 2008. It occurred during Debate on bill on Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.


Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill

Yes, I do. With saviour siblings, there is also embryo selection, which is used widely in IVF treatment, and I have concerns about embryos being discarded because of the possibility of disability. Embryo selection could be classed as the ultimate form of disability discrimination. Saying that someone cannot be born because they would have a disability is terrible. I know that we are not discussing that issue in the Bill today, but when we discuss saviour siblings and selecting embryos, we are going into serious issues and unforeseen territory. I urge caution on this issue. We need a good debate and for hon. Members to enter it with open minds. I am grateful to the Government for allowing several free votes—not quite enough, but they have made some progress. I hope that many Members contribute to this extremely important debate.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
475 c1099-100 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Civil partnerships Clones Abortion Blood Fertility Human embryo experiments Diseases Donors Genetics Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Ethics IVF Discrimination Foetal tissue NHS Medical treatments Screening Religion Sexuality Research Stem cells Christianity Human-animal hybrid embryos
Legislation
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (HL) 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk