Robert Winston on the UK's fertility bill
Posted by Jesse Reynolds May 13, 2008
Biopolitical Times
Assisted reproduction pioneer Lord Robert Winston had some surprising words about the UK's controversial bill to overhaul its oversight of the reproduction industry and stem cell research. Two of the most controversial planks, for which there will be conscience, are those regarding cytoplasmic animal-human hybrid embryos for stem cell research, and the selection of "savior siblings" through preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The Telegraph reported:
As for the Bill itself, [Winston] has an unexpectedly maverick approach. On human-animal hybrids, one of the most controversial issues, he says: "I'm really worried about saying this to you, because I know I shall get stick from my colleagues.
"But if the hybrid embryo thing doesn't go through, it in no way shakes the body of science. It's not [about] embryos that can survive, or viable monsters. Nothing like that.
"It's a nice adjunct; a useful extra. But if we don't have that resource, it won't fundamentally alter the science of stem cell biology."
Lord Winston has grave reservations about another disputed clause. "I'm very unhappy about 'saviour siblings'."
His concern is that children selected to provide treatment for a sick brother or sister may be put under undue pressure to give bone marrow or organs.
So it wouldn't break his heart if the measure was voted down? "Absolutely not," he says.
Previously on Biopolitical Times: