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National church has "grave concerns" that hybrid embryos have been created

Kirk says 'a line that should not be crossed' has been broken

The Church of Scotland regrets that our colleagues in the University of Newcastle are reported to have recently generated human-animal hybrid embryos consisting of cow eggs injected with human DNA. The Church expresses its disquiet that, following the issuing of a licence by the HFEA (Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority), this work has been carried out. It is especially regrettable as a bill considering the legalisation of just such research is currently working its way through Parliament. The Church also notes that, although the current legislation (The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990) does not explicitly prohibit the generation of such embryos, this act did not envisage such work.

The Church of Scotland has been closely involved in debate over the issues of human fertilisation and embryology over many years – both through the former Board of Social Responsibility and through the continuing Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) Project, now part of the Church and Society Council. In this and in other areas, the Church values meaningful dialogue with scientific experts, politicians and members of the general public.

To restate the position of the Church of Scotland, in 2006, the General Assembly, in response to the latest report within the Church on the subject, decided to:

"Oppose the creation for research or therapy of parthenogenetic human embryos, animal-human hybrid or chimeric embryos, or human embryos that have been deliberately made non-viable."

It positively sought to:

"urge Her Majesty's Government to encourage research into stem cells derived from adult tissues and placental cord blood, and to work to find therapeutic solutions which avoid embryo use."

The 2007 General Assembly re-emphasised its opposition to the creation of these embryos, seeking to:

"Freshly urge Her Majesty's Government in the proposed revision of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act not to include a legislative provision which would allow the creation for research or therapy of parthenogenetic human embryos, animal-human hybrid or chimeric embryos or embryos that have been deliberately made non-viable."

Having previously stated that the creation of human- animal hybrids is "a line which should not be crossed", that this line appears to have been traversed is a matter of grave concern to the Church.

The church also notes with unease that the debate on what is inevitably a controversial area often appears to be portrayed as one of "scientists versus the church". This false dichotomy, and the emotive terms sometimes deployed, are to be regretted. The Church has also made the point on previous occasions that the claim that to deny such experiments would delay cures for terminal illnesses is irresponsible and unjustified. The Church welcomes vigorous and informed debate, and reiterates its view that all scientific endeavour must be properly ethically informed.

Ends.

Note to Editors:

nr/25/04/08

Wednesday 2, April 2008

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