26 April 2007

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) today launched a public consultation to explore people’s views on whether or not scientists should be allowed to create embryos containing animal DNA for research purposes.

The HFEA will hold a series of events to encourage a "broad and informed public debate". This will include a public meeting with a panel of experts, chaired by TV journalist Nick Ross, in London. The authority hopes that this will be attended by interest groups, fertility patients, members of the public and scientists to discuss the issues raised by the research in more depth. Other events will take place over the country in the coming weeks, culminating in an opinion poll of over 2000 people.

The HFEA consultation paper explains the possible types
of human/animal embryo research that could be on the horizon. People will be encouraged to respond to the consultation using an online questionnaire. The HFEA hopes to make a decision in September as to whether,
in principle, this type of research should be licensed.

Shirley Harrison, Chair of the HFEA said, “Groups who are strongly for or against this type of research often made their views clear to us. But as this is a complex area of science, many other people might feel that they don’t know enough about the issue to take part in the debate or give their views. It is important to remember that this is not a referendum with ‘votes’ counted for or against particular types of research. Instead, we want to understand why people feel worried or enthusiastic about this research in order to help us make a judgement about the best way to proceed."

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign supports vital research into muscle disease within the existing ethical and regulatory framework in the UK, including the use of embryos, and will be taking part in the consultation process.

Philip Butcher, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said, "The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign urges people to take part in the consultation and support the creation of hybrid embryos for research purposes."

Progress in stem cell research is currently hampered by a shortage of human eggs. Hybrid embryos represent a suitable model to study the biology of cell differentiation and to develop novel techniques and technologies. Stem cell research is still in its infancy, but there is already some evidence that it might have true therapeutic potential for people with muscle disease.”

To find out more about the HFEA’s consultation, go to www.hfea.gov.uk

Links
House of Commons Science and Technology Committee www.parliament.uk

Medical Research Council
www.mrc.ac.uk