Latest briefing on the embryos Bill
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill proposes several controversial changes to the law:
Undermining fatherhood in IVF
The Bill proposes to remove the current requirement for doctors to consider the child's "need for a father". The Government wants to do this to make it easier for lesbians to become parents through IVF. Under the Bill, both same-sex partners could be recognised as parents if one of them gives birth to a child through IVF.
Animal-human hybrids
The Bill allows scientists to put a human nucleus inside an animal egg so that an animal-human embryo develops. Scientists want to do this for embryonic stem cell research purposes. The embryo would not be allowed to live beyond 14 days.
GM-babies with three parents
The Bill opens the way for human embryos to be genetically modified using a cloning technique. The embryo would have two genetic mothers and one genetic father. Some scientists want to do this to avoid the transmission of certain genetic diseases, but others warn of unforeseen consequences.
Screening embryos
The Bill opens the way for wider use of embryo screening techniques in various circumstances, including so-called 'saviour siblings'. Screening embryos involves destroying those that don't make the grade. 'Saviour siblings' involve genetically selecting an embryo so that when the baby is born it can be used to treat a sick brother or sister. Critics say this could turn children into commodities.
Abortion
Although the Bill, as first published, does not propose any change in the abortion law, MPs and Peers on both sides of the debate may try to use the Bill to amend the abortion law for better or for worse.
