Government Looks for Guidance through Warnock Minefield

Abstract

Debate in the British House of Lords concerning the Warnock report on human fertilization and embryology centered on the "Promethean power" of scientists to determine "the conditions of future human life." The lack of a definition of the human status of the embryo in the report generated a sustained attack. Since a born individual would not be subjected to experimentation without informed consent, one peer contended that embryos also have a right to protection against being bred for experimental purposes. An Anglican bishop, however, declared that the need to utilize embryos up to 14 days old for research could be accepted "within strict and enforceable boundaries of control." Winding up the debate, a government spokesman maintained that the government has no plans to legislate as yet and that comments from many quarters were being examined.