News
HGC report published
31 January 2006
‘Making Babies: reproductive decisions and
genetic technologies’
The choices for couples having children – or for those who are concerned about the possible genetic consequences if they do – have increased dramatically in recent years – but these advances need to be carefully monitored. The possibility of deliberately creating “designer babies” – children genetically engineered for their good looks, intelligence or sporting abilities are not on the horizon – and may never be because of the complex nature of our genetic make-up.
These are two of the conclusions of the Human Genetics Commission’s report “Making Babies: reproductive decisions and genetic technologies” published today (Tuesday) following a national consultation exercise.
Baroness Helena Kennedy, Chair of the HGC, said, “With the accelerating pace of genetic research, the choices open to couples experiencing fertility problems or families with a history of genetic illnesses are now considerable and increasing. However these new possibilities bring with them new concerns. We have to balance the need to assure reproductive autonomy – the rights of parents to make their own decisions – with the welfare of the child and the wider interests of society. “
“The report provides a framework for future debate and policy decisions within the UK. Both the report and the results from the Commission’s earlier consultation on this issue show that these are issues on which society is divided and holds deep-rooted views. The report makes it clear that continuing public debate in this area is needed.”
The HGC looked at the current and future position with regard to screening, PGD and other reproductive therapies. As technology develops, the possibility of new tests being available in the future also increases and the report recommends that new screening programmes should not be introduced just because it has become possible. An assessment should first be made about whether it is desirable.
While generally endorsing the new reproductive technologies now available, the Commission was concerned that there should be more research and follow-up into their possible long-term consequences. The report recommends the setting up of studies of the development of children conceived by new technologies such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Similarly there needs to be research into the future lives of “saviour siblings” – children specially conceived to save a brother or sister - to see what impact this has on the family.
The report also notes that PGD – the system where embryos are removed, selected and replaced to avoid the possibility of genetic disease – is still at a very early stage and only available for couples at risk of having babies with a limited number of genetic conditions at present. The Commission did not agree with arguments that the future development of PGD could be the beginning of a slippery slope leading to the creation of “designer babies” - this wasn’t likely or possible in the present state of knowledge.
The report accepts that many parents will want to have access to prenatal screening, and those at higher risk may want testing, but the Commission is concerned that this should not be considered as purely routine. There needs to be clear advice so that women can understand clearly that they could choose not to have screening. For real choice to exist, people must be supported regardless of their decision to embark on a screening programme and any subsequent actions they may take.
You can read or download the report by clicking on this link to the HGC website.
Further information
This work was taken forward by a HGC Working Group which was established in June 2003. The group met 13 times and was disbanded in October 2005 when the report retuned to the main Commission for completion. To find out more about the work of the group, please click on this link to the HGC website.
The group was co-chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy and Professor Martin Richards.
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