HFEA faces grilling on screening decision
2 Nov 04
Embryo screening for inherited bowel cancer challenged for lack of public discussion
The chairwoman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is to be called before a House of Commons committee to justify a decision that apparently extends the range of conditions for which pre-implantation screening of embryos is permitted.
Suzi Leather has been criticised for failing to consult Parliament or the public before granting a London clinic permission to screeen for inherited bowel cancer, a condition which normally affects adults and can often be treated by surgery. Screening has until now been permitted only for childhood or untreatable diseases.
MPs, scientists and bioethics groups are concerned that the decision, taken by a committee of the HFEA whose members are as yet unidentified, sets a precedent for a much wider screening of embryos.
The Commons Science and Technology Committee, chaired by Labour MP Ian Gibson, will question Ms Leather in January as part of its review of Britain's fertility laws.