Press Release from Life.

HFEA launches desperate attempt to retain its power 10 Nov 2005

LIFE, the UK’s largest pro-life charity, have described today’s announcement by the HFEA to launch a ‘public consultation’ on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) as ridiculous. LIFE spokesman Matthew O’Gorman said: “It is no coincidence that this announcement has been made just before the forthcoming government review of the HFE Act. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) realise that to retain power they must appear to be interested in what the people have to say. In reality, the only opinions they value are their own. They frequently grant pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) licenses without any regard for the will of the public. Their arrogant decisions make a mockery of our parliamentary democracy. LIFE calls for the powers of the HFEA to be curtailed. They should inspect clinics and make sure the law is being adhered to. A separate bioethics committee should be established as a tough watchdog that will be truly representative. This committee will advise the government on the ethical implications of technological advances in biological science.