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HGC backs hybrid embryo research

15 February 2007

Web statement - February 14th 2007

HGC BACKS HYBRID EMBRYO RESEARCH

The Human Genetics Commission – the Government’s advisers on human genetics – has given its backing to proposals for research into human/animal hybrids.
 
Speaking at the Commission’s plenary meeting in London this week, Sir John Sulston, the HGC Deputy Chair, said,“ It seems to me extremely clear that  we already have a very satisfactory agreement with the rule which allows experiments up to fourteen days. The research which is now being proposed is no different.”

Alastair Kent, Director of the Genetics Interest Group said, ”This is research that has the potential to create treatments for many serious diseases – like Alzheimer’s, Stroke and Parkinson’s – for which there is no cure at the moment.” 

Professor Christopher Higgins said, “We have a very good regulatory framework for research into early human embryos and it is clear that these proposals for hybrid embryos fall within this framework.”

Professor John Harris said, “There is no disagreement within the scientific community about the merits of hybrid research. Mixtures of human and animal cells have been going on for many years.”

However Baroness Kennedy QC, the Chair of the HGC, strongly supported the HFEA decision to embark on a period of consultation which ends in September. She emphasized that while many scientists felt that the regulatory framework already existed to deal with applications and that the research presented no new ethical dilemmas, this was not the view shared by sections of the public. It was for scientists to make the case in the public realm, explaining that the work did not involve the devaluing of humanity or risk the creation of alarming new forms of life. This must continue to be done even if it meant revisiting familiar moral arguments.

Note

Proposals for research in human animal hybrids came before HFEA last month. The Authority decided to launch a public consultation before making a decision whether to allow the research to go ahead.  
 

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