The HFE Act Essay Example

The HFE Act Essay Example The HFE Act Essay The HFE Act Essay The HFEA are very specific with regard to in vitro gametes, providing strong counter argument against any such fears. The HFE Act 2008 (amendment) states, The derivation of in-vitro derived gametes for research does not require a licence from the HFEA. However, a licence would be required if researchers wished to use in vitro derived gametes to create an embryo to test whether they were capable of fertilisation. Anybody wishing to create embryos for research using in vitro derived gametes would require a licence from the HFEA (hfea.gov.uk). The Act continues, Under the HFE Act (as amended), in vitro derived gametes are allowed for research but not treatment (hfea.gov.uk). In addition, the HFEA have also recognised the importance of predicting any potential domino effects that may occur at a genetic level as a direct result of the production of artificial sperm. The HFEA have been concentrating on horizon-scanning work and is continuing to monitor the progress of scientific research in this area (hgc.gov.uk). The recognition that equal measure must be applied through the horizon-scanning project in order to shield the natural selection process from the manufacture of artificial gametes is a very important step; something that the HFEA strongly support in defence of their controls on todays scientific studies. In response to the amendments of 2008 Dr David King, Director of Human Genetics Alert, responded, The new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act is definitely a step in the wrong direction, although none of the changes it makes are, in themselves, disastrous; the most worrying aspect is the opening of the door to research on Human Genetic Modification (hgalert.org). Conclusion There can be no doubt that the 21st century is witnessing a laboratory driven scientific revolution with a myriad of developmental studies being undertaken globally; rooted firmly in this core are studies into human genetics and recombinant DNA techniques (hgc.gov.uk). Even though these steps are on the whole encouraging, many challenges still remain. Among those challenges is public opinion; even though there have been many changes in public attitude to genetic advances, those opinions surrounding the creation of life are still sensitive. Although it is true that we all share a common goal and that the aim of any genetic testing is to strengthen the human race against the future, there are strong links to suggest that a lack of genetic variability and random mutation in a population often holds catastrophic consequences. Clearly there are still many options we must to consider and debate in order to agree how to progress, however, progress we must and undeniably this must involve genetic studies. Perhaps the question we should be asking is just because we have developed the technology with which to continue studies of this nature, should we really consider moving forward with the studies without the ability of guaranteeing all potential outcomes. References Macrae, F. (2009) Daily Mail [online]. London, UK. Available from : -dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1198132/Ethical-storm-flares-British-scientists-create-artificial-sperm-human-stem-cells.html [Accessed 6th December 2009]. Hanlon, M. (2009) Daily Mail [online]. London, UK. Available from : -dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1198202/MICHAEL-HANLON-Are-brink-society-need-men.html [Accessed 6th December 2009] Templeton, S-K. (2009) The Times [online]. London, UK. Available from :Â  timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6689486.ece [Accessed 6th December 2009]. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (2009) Backgrounds and Briefings: In Vitro Derived Gametes [online]. London, UK. Available from : Â  hfea.gov.uk/1403.html [Accessed 6th December 2009].