Urgent call to action on GM babies

The Government laid the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations on the 17th December 2014. The Regulations permit two new techniques which seek to replace diseased mitochondria while allowing a mother to have a genetically related child. The Regulations will be debated within the next couple of weeks.

WHY ARE THESE TECHNIQUES OBJECTIONABLE?

The techniques permit

1. The germ-line modification of human beings;

2. The creation of human life only to be destroyed;

3. The creation of human beings with at least three, and up to four, genetic 'parents';

4. The selection of human beings with more desirable characteristics (eugenics).

WHY ARE MANY SCIENTISTS OPPOSING THE REGULATIONS?

1. Many scientists are concerned that not enough preclinical work has been done to ensure that the techniques are safe. This includes the head adviser to the United States Food and Drugs Administration, Professor Evan Snyder. It is noteworthy that the last time one of these techniques was tried in humans, it resulted in three fetal deaths and prompted China to impose a blanket ban.

WHY ARE LAWYERS OBJECTING?

1. The Regulations may be incompatible with our obligations in international law, specifically the European Directive on Clinical Trials which bans germ-line engineering.

2. It is also argued that the Government’s insistence that the techniques are not genetic modification has undermined the whole basis for the techniques, and the Regulations do not therefore cohere with current law.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

LIFE Charity has set up an online tool that you can use to write to MPs. It only takes 30 seconds. www.stopgm3parentbabies.com/

If you have more time, it would be very helpful if you would write to, or phone, your MP, articulating your concerns in your own words. Their details can be obtained at: www.writetothem.com or www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

Spread the word about the significance of the Regulations – many do not know. Please send this note on to others in your address bok – and to at least ten others, urging them to do the same.

Source: Lord Alton