The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has granted researchers permission to use a new 'gene editing' technique called Crispr/Cas9 to modify human embryos.

Dr Peter Saunders, CEO of Christian Medical Fellowship said:

'There is no justification for carrying out this hugely controversial research, which most leading scientists around the world have agreed is neither safe or practical. The research is based on the highly contentious claim that that it will help to prevent IVF failure and miscarriage. This is disingenuous as there is no evidence that embryonic or fetal death is caused by abnormalities in the genes that Niakan et al are examining.

Despite claims to rigorous ethical evaluation, this decision by the HFEA is also completely out of line with the recent calls by the global research industry for broad public engagement and more time, before any decisions are made on whether to use this new technique to create GM human embryos.

The HFEA has no claim to public approval for this controversial and unnecessary research, and its decision not only pre-empts but completely undermines the public consultation currently being carried out by the Nuffield council on bioethics.'

For further information on this new technique see the following two recent blogposts from CMF:
Philippa Taylor - Designing our descendants: Brave New Britain takes the lead again
Dr Peter Saunders - Claims that GM embryos will help boost IVF success rates are pure spin