What’s so special about us?

President J.F. Kennedy is reported to have said: “if someone asks us why we want to go to the moon, we have the answer ready; because we can. No other answer is necessary.” We live at a time when scientists can create full human-animal embryos and cloned human-animal embryos. Just because we can does not mean that we should. During the report stage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, MP’s have been given a free vote because of the moral issues at stake.  

We hope that the debate will be well informed. The bill will not create “walking monsters on our streets.” Cloned human-animal embryos and full human-animal hybrids will only be permitted to live up to 14 days. The bill uses the term “human admixed embryos” rather than “inter-species embryos” because drawing attention to mixing species may frighten the public.   

This embryonic research is unnecessary diverting resources away from work that is more likely to deliver for patients. Non-embryonic stem cell research from sources such as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood have been used to successfully treat at least 72 conditions. No treatments using embryonic stem cells have been developed after a decade of research. Internationally the UK government is isolated in its support for this type of research. For example, Australia banned the creation of cloned human-animal embryos in 2006.   

The central moral issue is the need to preserve the unique dignity of human beings. Humans beings are defined by more than biology. The bible teaches that “we are made in the image of God” and have a unique sacredness and responsibility within God’s created order (Genesis 1:26-27). “There are different kinds of bodies, humans, animals, birds and fish, each unprecedented in its form” (1 Corinthians 15:39). Creating an embryo which is part human and part animal crosses a boundary that should remain unaltered. 

We celebrate the huge benefit of scientific research within proper limits. Science should be content with the unalterable distinctions between humans and animals. Possible does not mean permissible. We must not admire the speed of travel before we understand the direction of travel. Let’s pray the MP’s can give this dangerous bill a safe landing.    

April 2008
 
Alasdair MacLeod
Minister