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Proceeding contribution from David Burrowes (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Monday, 19 May 2008. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords].


Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but I believe we should support the research that has already taken those steps and clearly has great potential, rather than supporting an area of research that is not only very speculative but ethically challenging. When exploring all avenues, we must respect ethical considerations. Members on both sides of the House have expressed real anxiety about the fact that the clauses dealing with human admixed embryos transcend people's concerns about proper respect for the dignity of human life. It is not a case of all avenues being equal. If we take the scientist's view of where the therapeutic value is and where research is advancing by leaps and bounds, we find ourselves considering induced pluripotent cells. When the Government and scientists make the case for cytoplasmic hybrids, we need only look to that developing field to see that it is the way forward.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
476 c63 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Children Clones Animals Congenital abnormalities Fertility Licensing Human embryo experiments Diseases Donors Genetics Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Ethics IVF Foetal tissue Medical treatments Relatives Research Stem cells Human-animal hybrid embryos
Legislation
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (HL) 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk