Commenting on the Science and Technology Committee’s report on Government proposals for the regulation of hybrid and chimera embryos, Dr Tony Calland, Chairman of the BMA?s Medical Ethics Committee said:
The BMA shares the view of the Science and Technology Committee in not supporting the Government’s intention to prohibit the creation of hybrid and chimera embryos for research purposes.
Such a prohibition would cause serious delays to this very important research which is aimed at investigating many serious and debilitating conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA?s Head of Science and Ethics said: ?Given that the law already prevents such embryos being placed in a woman, and that the UK has a robust mechanism for regulating individual research projects, the BMA does not understand the Government?s current reservations on this issue. The BMA calls on the Government to permit this research, with strict controls, in the forthcoming draft Bill.?