Watchdog concerned over use of tissue from foetuses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FERTILITY experts are about to open to public debate the issue of using human ovarian tissue from dead women and aborted female foetuses to provide eggs for fertility treatments, it was announced yesterday, writes Celia Hall.
Professor Colin Campbell, chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, said at the launch of the authority's annual report that the possibility of using eggs as the latest type of 'organ' donation was causing concern.
He said it was a new research area of reproductive biology, which was in its early stages. In the case of foetal tissue work it involved techniques for bringing the eggs to maturity.
Professor Campbell said: 'We think that it does raise issues of fundamental concern and that this authority would be wise to consult widely and have a public discussion about this possible development. We believe this is a development that raises profound moral and philosophical concerns.'
The authority also told the Department of Health that couples should only be allowed to choose their baby's sex on medical grounds, not for social, religious or family reasons.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments