Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/news/?id=146
From the moment in early 2007 that the controversial proposal to create animal-human hybrids for embryonic stem cell research was mooted publicly, CMF was opposed on the grounds that the research was not just unethical but also unnecessary. Our CMF file reviewed the whole question.
The ethical and scientific debate was lost, and in 2008 Parliament approved this proposal, along with other controversies. A year ago, Peter Saunders predicted that 'cybrids (or "admixed human embryos" as they are euphemistically called), like savour siblings, will in a few short years become simply a farcical footnote in the history of science and a powerful testimony to the gullibility of patients and politicians driven to grasping at straws by what the Bible calls "the fear of death".'
That prediction proved true after just one short year when on 5 October The Independent announced 'All research involving the controversial creation of animal-human "hybrid" embryos has been refused funding in Britain and one of the three scientists licensed to carry out the work has left the UK for a job in Australia.
Every one of the three projects to develop embryonic stem cells from cloned embryos created by fusing human cells with animal eggs has now been abandoned, after publicly-funded research councils refused to back the studies aimed at developing new treatments for incurable illnesses ranging from heart disease to Parkinson's.'
'Follow the money', they say. In peer review, the science lobby has recognised that animal-human hybrids are never going to yield worthwhile results. Leading US stem cell scientist James Sherley had earlier this year commented: 'For those trained in the science, this is not news, but instead a completed fate that was known from the beginning'. CMF continues to disagree with Dr Evan Harris.
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
