Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/news/?id=31
On 5 January the science community launched a pre-emptive media strike about the possibility that the Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA) might refuse applications for licences to create human-animal hybrids. Because of a shortage of human ova from which to derive embryonic stem cells for research, several centres propose to insert human genetic material into the hollowed-out nucleus of cow or rabbit ova. However, about 0.5% of the total DNA in the resultant embryo would then be animal DNA in the cytoplasm.
Lively media debate followed, with extensive CMF input, and Parliament's Science and Technology Committee is holding an Enquiry. On January 10 written submissions were invited, with a deadline of January 22. CMF made a submission, arguing that science must operate within ethical boundaries, that all the clinical benefit of stem cell therapies is currently coming from ethically non-controversial 'adult' stem cells, that we should not be creating embryos for destructive stem cell research whether they be 100 or just 99.5% human, and that God's creation of species 'according to their kinds' is significant.
At the Science and Technology Committee's request, that Submission cannot be published yet, but watch this website. The HFEA has promised widespread public consultation, and Parliament will have the final say.
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.
