Press Release

British Humanist Association Calls for Rational Debate on HFE Bill

8 April 2008

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has called for a rational debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, and has produced a briefing for MPs in support of the Bill.

Naomi Phillips, BHA Public Affairs Officer, said, ‘We support the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill and consider that it will allow and further vital, life-saving and life-enhancing stem cell research – research of which the majority of the public is in favour. The Bill also aims to get rid discrimination against lesbians seeking fertility treatment and ban sex selection of embryos for social reasons.’

Ms Phillips continued, ‘Like many others, we have been very concerned about the scaremongering and misinformation campaign around this Bill, led by a vociferous and unrepresentative religious lobby. We consider arguments, using factually incorrect assumptions based on dogma and doctrine, for restricting research, restricting women’s rights through reducing the abortion time limit and a homophobic approach to assisted reproduction as morally wrong. We call on all MPs to base their decisions in regard to the Bill on rational debate and ethics based on human values, and on the best interests on alleviating the suffering of real people and future generations’.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill aims to update legislation in line with scientific and medical advance, and to maintain a tightly regulated environment for research.