Aggregated News
What do we mean by being human? At what point does a life wink into being? What choices can be exercised at that moment, and by whom?
Should we allow DNA from more than two people to be used to create a child? Should we allow a deaf couple to take action to ensure their son is also deaf?
These are profound issues in terms of science, law and morality - and this is why the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, due to be debated this month in Parliament, is among the most divisive to have come before MPs.
Indeed, it is so controversial that the Prime Minister has been forced to allow a free vote on the most contentious elements.
The Bill deals with experiments on the human embryo, and the way in which infertility treatments are regulated. Rationalists may claim it is simply a way for legislation to catch up with the latest scientific developments.
But where these fundamental issues are concerned, nothing is that simple.
The Bill's opponents, mostly from the pro-life community, say it will lead...
Should we allow DNA from more than two people to be used to create a child? Should we allow a deaf couple to take action to ensure their son is also deaf?
These are profound issues in terms of science, law and morality - and this is why the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, due to be debated this month in Parliament, is among the most divisive to have come before MPs.
Indeed, it is so controversial that the Prime Minister has been forced to allow a free vote on the most contentious elements.
The Bill deals with experiments on the human embryo, and the way in which infertility treatments are regulated. Rationalists may claim it is simply a way for legislation to catch up with the latest scientific developments.
But where these fundamental issues are concerned, nothing is that simple.
The Bill's opponents, mostly from the pro-life community, say it will lead...