Recently, MPs have been debating the Human Fertilisation and Embryology bill, which is an updated version of the law which came into effect in 1990. With changes in technology and scientific advances, it was felt that an updated version was needed to keep with the times. This article is looking at what the bill actually is and what debate it is bringing to the table.

The Prime Minister was forced to offer free vote in three areas of the bill which have caused controversy within the Houses of Parliament. Also during the debate, the call to reduce abortion time will also be raised.

The first issue is that of hybrid embryos. Scientists in the UK are already working on a specific type of technique which involves putting human DNA in a genetically wiped animal egg. The resulting embryo would be 99.9% human and 0.1% animal. Other techniques that scientists are wanting to research are true chimeras, an embryo with two types of cell, and true hybrids, 50/50 animal to human. The embryos would not be allowed to develop for more than 14 days.

The second issue is that of IVF clinics, which have to consider the welfare of any child created, which currently means the need for a father figure to be present. For that reason, some lesbian couples and single women have been denied treatment... (read more)