Deciding about embryo research

In November 1989, the British government passed the Embryo Bill, which states that a license is required for all procedures involving in vitro ('test tube') fertilization of human eggs. Any such procedure performed without a license will constitute a criminal offense. The bill also states that records of contributors to sperm banks be kept so that genetic information about individuals conceived by artificial insemination will be available. Another issue before the British parliament is whether researchers should be able to study embryos up to 14 days after conception. The Royal Society believes that research with embryos should continue and is meeting with parliament to voice its opinion. It is the editorial opinion of this journal, Nature, that it is neither necessary nor wise to have a time limitation of 14 days written in the legislation. Legislation with a time limitation will be difficult to change if the time limitation is shown to be too strict. There are other defects in the bill, including the presence of too many members on the authority committee. The committee is to report every other year, which is too infrequent. The database of donors for in vitro fertilization will contain sensitive and potentially damaging information. Although there are penalties for breach of confidentiality, they should be stricter. The current proposal mandates up to two years in prison for people who disclose information and 10 years for breaching the legislation on practice and research. These issues will require careful consideration and it is hoped that they do not get confused with the issue of abortion.