MP’s welcome patients and scientists show support for the Bill

Commenting on the public show of support for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill by patients and scientists yesterday outside parliament, Dr Evan Harris MP – one of the main backers of the legislation, said:

“We know that the public support carefully regulated medical research using embryos and also that patients, along with the main medical and scientific organisations, believe this work to be both moral and necessary.”

Leading pro-science MP, Dr Ian Gibson, said:

“As Parliament debates the Bill, it will be a refreshing change to see that those demonstrating their opinions outside Parliament come from both sides of the debate”.

Phil Willis MP, Chair of the Innovation, University, Science and Skills Select Committee, who chaired the joint committee scrutinising the draft Embryo Bill, said:

“The appearance of scientists and medics  standing publicly shoulder to shoulder  with and patients and MPs supporting the Bill is a welcome change from the days when scientists were not expected to engage with the public, explain their work or talk to the media.”

 

 

British Medical Association briefing on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, 2nd reading, House of Commons

The BMA outlines its support for the provisions in the HFE Bill, which relate to assisted reproduction treatment and the use of human embryos for research purposes. The BMA also supports the current model of UK-wide regulation with the broad framework set out in legislation and a statutory body – the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) -interpreting and applying the framework.

 

For more details see BMA HFE Bill 2nd Reading HoC

The information is also available on their website http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/HFEBillApr08