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1 November 2004
Following the announcement, today, that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) had approved the screening of embryos for the gene that causes a certain form of cancer (familial adenomatous polyposis) by a team at University College London, the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics (SCHB) is concerned that this may lead society onto a slippery slope toward eugenics (the general improving of the human race).
Dr. Calum MacKellar, the Director of Research of the SCHB indicated, in this respect, that "the UK is already on a slippery slope towards an Orwellian 'Brave New World' eugenics whereby only certain persons are considered as ‘valid’ and fit to live."
He also stated that "once again the HFEA has taken a very important decision without any appropriate public debate taking place" adding that "the HFEA should have waited until the results of the current public consultation by the Human Genetics Commission1 on embryo screening were published before making its decision."
In addition the SCHB is concerned that the procedure will result in only the best created embryos being selected with most of the others being considered as 'invalids' and discarded. It noted that this may result in human life, eventually, being seen as 'cheap' or of no real value.
1 Human Genetics Commission - Choosing the future: Genetics and Reproductive Decision Making: www.hgc.gov.uk/choosingthefuture