Book Description

This report is a response to the publication of Government proposals to prohibit the creation of human-animal chimera or hybrid embryos for research for the time being ("Review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act", Cm. 6989, ISBN 9780101698924). It also takes account of recent applications from researchers for licences to create human-animal cytoplasmic hybrid embryos for research. Since the 1990 Act there have been significant developments in science and medicine and there is a need for revised legislation in this area of research. The Committee finds that the creation of human-animal chimera or hybrid embryos, and specifically cytoplasmic hybrid embryos, is necessary for research. But development of human-animal chimera or hybrid embryos past the 14-day stage should be prohibited and there should be a prohibition on the implantation of human-animal chimera or hybrid embryos in a woman. The Committee is critical of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for delaying assessment of applications for licences to create cytoplasmic hybrid embryos for research. The Government proposals are considered prohibitive. Some research practices should be permitted under licence immediately. The Committee proposes mechanisms for legislation and regulation of the creation of human-animal chimera or hybrid embryos for research. The report criticises the Government for not clearly setting out the areas of research practice intended to fall under the proposed legislation and suggests that greater attention should be paid to implications of the proposals for current research practice and the UK research base.