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MPs to debate embryology changes Embryology laws pass first hurdle
(1 day later)
MPs are to debate controversial government proposals to change the law on the use of human embryos. MPs have voted to allow controversial plans to update human embryology laws to continue to their next Parliamentary stage, despite deep splits among MPs.
Warnings of a rebellion mean Labour MPs will get a free vote on issues that include allowing embryos to be created using human DNA and animal cells. The bill was given its second reading by 340 votes to 78, a majority of 262.
Several Catholic MPs and ministers oppose the plans, set out in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. Some Labour MPs have said they will fight measures - which include creating embryos with animal and human material to grow stem cells for research.
But scientists say they are vital to improving fertility and the treatment of genetic conditions. Health Secretary Alan Johnson said research would be subject to a "strict legal and ethical framework".
MPs are to vote on the individual components of the bill before it is considered as a whole at a later stage. The bill will now undergo detailed scrutiny. The key votes on the individual components are expected to come next week.
Prime minister Gordon Brown has said he expects all Labour MPs to back the whole bill when it comes to the final Commons vote. 'Saviour siblings'
Key issues The government, faced with the prospect of a rebellion by Roman Catholic ministers, has promised Labour MPs a free vote on the three most contentious issues.
But he has allowed his colleagues to vote according to their conscience on three controversial components. These are the creation of hybrid embryos, "saviour siblings" and the proposal that IVF clinics should no longer have to consider the need for a "father" figure when deciding whether to offer treatment
The first is the use of hybrid embryos - made from human DNA and a small animal component - to allow greater study of genetic defects, such as Parkinson's. Opponents say this is unethical and tampers with human nature. Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs have been offered a free vote on all elements of the bill.
The second is the bill's proposal that IVF clinics should no longer have to consider the need for a "father" figure when deciding whether to offer treatment, instead insisting on "supportive parenting". Opponents say this denigrates the role of fathers. Because scientists can do something, it does not mean that they should Andrew LansleyConservatives class="" href="/1/hi/health/7391975.stm">Key points of embryology bill
I do believe that in stem cell research we have the power in the future to treat and to cure some of the diseases that have afflicted mankind for centuries Gordon Brown speaking last month class="" href="/1/hi/health/7391975.stm">Key points of embryology bill But the government says its overall potential to speed up research into treatment conditions like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's means it must be passed. Labour votes will be whipped at the bill's second and third readings.
The third area of controversy is the development of embryos to become "saviour siblings", where cells from a baby's bone marrow or umbilical cord are used to treat a genetic condition in an older brother or sister. Opening the debate, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said the 1990 human fertilisation and embryology act needed updating to keep pace with scientific advances.
Supporters say this gives new hope for many with serious conditions and does no harm to the younger sibling. But opponents say it could lead to children being create solely for this use or even allow for the selection of male or female babies. He said research would be done within a strict ethical and legal framework.
The bill is designed to bring existing laws on fertility treatment and embryo research into line with scientific advances. 'Very regulated'
'Monstrous attack' Mr Johnson said scientists wanted to create so-called "ad-mixed embryos" - usually used to grow stem cells for research - because of a shortage of human eggs and said they would be 99.9% human. They are not allowed to continue after 14 days.
Mr Brown offered the free-vote deal after warnings that some Catholic MPs and ministers, including Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy, Defence Secretary Des Browne and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, were ready to rebel. Among Labour critics were Catholic backbencher Geraldine Smith who said the creation of hybrid embryos was "revolting" and of saviour siblings - born in order to help another child - was "appalling".
Last month, he said: "I do believe that in stem cell research we have the power in the future to treat and to cure some of the diseases that have afflicted mankind for centuries." class="lp" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/default.stm">HAVE YOUR SAYIf God did not want us to do these things, He would not have given us the tools and intellect to proceedNanette, Brighton class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4776&edition=1&ttl=20080512140401">Send us your comments
Embryonic stem cell research "holds the key" to advances in the treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson, cancer and heart disease, he said. "We should not be putting parents in that awful position of deciding whether they create a child for the sole purpose of just helping another child," she said.
But the leader of the Scottish Catholic Church, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, has described the proposed legislation as a "monstrous attack on human rights, human dignity and human life", adding that it would allow experiments of "Frankenstein proportion". Conservative former minister Gary Streeter said no therapies had been developed as a result of embryonic stem cell research and he was against "human ad-mixed embryos".
Conservative leader David Cameron is allowing his MPs to vote with their conscience on the bill. "It seems to me that mixing the life essence of humans and animals in this way just seems to be plain wrong and a slippery slope to who knows where."
'No hypocrisy'
But Labour's Ian Gibson, a member of the Stem Cell Foundation, said embryological research was done in a "very regulated environment" under the HFEA.
He said: "There are people in this House, one or two I know, who have got parts of a pig attached to their heart. It keeps them alive.
"I don't think we want any hypocrisy in this area. You can have combined pigs and human beings to keep people alive in this House and elsewhere too."
And another Labour MP, Jim Devine said: "This is not about creating Frankenstein-type monsters."
For the Conservatives, Andrew Lansley said the government had only allowed a "partial" free vote on the Bill - which, as it had "ethical issues at its heart", should have been conducted wholly on a free vote basis.
However, he added that it was important to recognise the old 1990 Act did need updating.
"The legislation is not just about reflecting scientific progress. Because scientists can do something, it does not mean that they should. Ethical boundaries do not shift in a mechanistic way to reflect the utility of new research techniques," he said.
Norman Lamb, for the Liberal Democrats, said the party was "pro-science, in favour of research but within proper limits and with proper safeguards".
He said MPs had a responsibility to conduct the debate in a measured tone, avoiding exaggeration and respecting other viewpoints.
"Church leaders have a particular responsibility in the comments they make," he said.