CONSCIENCE VOTES WILL DECIDE LAW ON EMBRYOLOGY RESEARCH

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney has welcomed the Prime Minster’s confirmation that major issues about embryology research will be decided on free votes in the House of Commons. David Kidney says that this approach accords with his views about how such sensitive issues should be decided by Parliament:

“In our country, we control the medical science of assisted reproduction and embryo research because of the law and regulator established in 1990. But since then, the science has moved on and now we need to update the law and the powers of the regulator. The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Bill will update the legal framework which governs this science and bring us into line with recent scientific developments.

“The Bill will:
• Reform the regulatory framework in which embryo research is conducted;
• Ensure that all human embryos outside the body are subject to regulation;
• Create a ban on sex selection of offspring for non-medical reasons; and
• Update the rules around entitlements to IVF.

“I agree there is a need to update the law and regulation and I will vote for this Bill. However, whilst the legislation will allow the continued development of stem cell research, holding out the prospect of eventual cures for distressing and tragic conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases, it is necessary for Parliament to draw a line between scientific practices that are acceptable and those that are not.

“In my view, each MP has to make his or her own judgement, reflecting today’s social and moral standards of our society. Gordon Brown has therefore made the right decision in saying that Labour MPs will have free votes on the three new ethical issues on whether admixed embryos are permitted within strict constraints; on the question of permitting ‘saviour siblings’ (who could, for example, donate blood) in the context of rare genetic conditions; and on changing the IVF requirements to require the need for supportive parenting to be taken into account.

“How will I vote on these issues? I have not yet decided. The votes themselves are still a couple of months away. I have followed the debates on these issues in the House of Lords, I am listening to the views of constituents and I want my votes to reflect the national interest, the will of my constituents and my own conscience.” ENDS