NEWS

A message from Cardinal Keith O'Brien on animal – human hybrids

You might think I'd object to animal-human hybrid embryos on moral grounds. I do, but it's their bad science I really take exception to.

In the current debate on whether or not scientists should create animal-human hybrid embryos, I think it is time we deployed a great deal more rigour when listening to the hype-filled claims of those who experiment upon and destroy human life at its most defenceless.

Claims that such research "might", "could" or "may" lead to treatments for many diseases have been made for almost a decade - without any substance. We continue to be told that experimenting on embryos will lead us to cures and treatments. Yet, as the years have gone by, not one single treatment or therapy has emerged. In the meantime, research using adult stem cells has led to over 70 different therapies and treatments, without destroying a single embryo.

Science is always about pushing boundaries and exploring possibilities. Just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done. The question of scientists' responsibility towards humanity is today painfully pertinent as they tamper with human life in its earliest incarnation.

As a science graduate, I am well aware of the procedures and processes by which progress in the sciences is made. Yet I believe strongly that such research must always serve the public good.

It is worth remembering that France , Germany , Italy , Canada and Australia have all banned the grotesque procedures we seek to legalise. Could it be that the citizens and politicians of those countries care nothing for the chronically ill among them? Perhaps they don't want to develop cures or therapies; perhaps they are simply anti-scientific luddites! Or could it be that we are wrong and these democracies see no reason to attack the sanctity and dignity of human life when many alternatives exist?

I am heartened to see in a recent opinion poll that the overwhelming majority of people (67%), like me, are completely opposed to the creation of animal-human hybrids.

I sincerely hope Gordon Brown and all our MPs will take notice of this result and reconsider the need for this legislation.

Only last month, Gordon Brown said about animal-human hybrid research, that "lives will be saved" and "treatments and cures will be available". Such statements are not only complete scientific fantasy, but are blatantly untrue. They present nothing more than a cruel deception to the thousands of families caring for an ill relative who may benefit from stem cell therapies. The prime minister obviously isn't aware of the recent statement by expert molecular biologist Dr David King, who said; " there is abundant evidence that even if stem cells are obtained (from hybrid embryos) they will be so abnormal as to be useless."

Since Gordon Brown is intent on making hopelessly inaccurate statements on scientific matters he clearly doesn't understand, I would urge him to consider meeting some of the scientists in this field and would be glad to facilitate just such a meeting.

It is time the government focused its attention on supporting and funding stem cell research that is both ethical and effective - which is research using adult stem cells.

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill

Poll shows public are against embryos Bill

Most people oppose the creation of animal-human embryos

The majority of the public are against three crucial plans in the Government's controversial embryos Bill, a new poll reveals. In the first poll since widespread media coverage of the proposals, 79% think it is important to consider a child's need for a father in IVF, 60% think it is wrong to create animal-human embryos (only 33% do not think it is wrong), and a majority (51%) agree that the creation of 'saviour siblings' denies the child a choice in how its body is used.

There has been huge coverage of the embryos Bill over the last week. The public have heard the arguments for and against the plans. Now they have spoken and they say " no " to animal-human embryos, " no " to undermining fathers in IVF and " no " to saviour siblings. I hope MPs will take note of the public's opposition to these plans."