Dai Havard

Labour Party | Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

EMBRYOLOGY AND FERTILISATION - VOTES

I have had many people contact me about The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Bill. Now that MP’s have voted on the well publicised aspects of the Bill I am reporting on what I did and why.

Admixed embryos - licensing of research; I voted for the licensing and control of this research technique as one of the number of ‘tools’ in the bag of researchers. Any and all of the different embryo research techniques may achieve nothing; all may be successful or just produce mixed results. That is what science does and has to be allowed to try. The use of these embryos will be strictly controlled and far removed from some of the scare stories about the creation of ‘monsters’ we have seen in the media. That was agreed.

Reference to fathers as part of the Welfare of the Child consideration before allowing HIV treatment; I voted for an amendment which introduced the new wording of ‘supportive parenting’ but added to it a reference to fathers and/or a male role model. That was not agreed.

‘Saviour siblings’; I voted against this measure as I feel that it is the wrong motivation to allow the state to help create children for that reason. I do not believe it is an appropriate health measure. Whilst I am very sympathetic to the plight of ill children and their parents; it is the research from embryos and the like, to help produce cures and treatments for genetic diseases, which I feel is the correct health response. Allowing ‘saviour siblings’ was nevertheless agreed.

Time limits for abortions (not in the original Bill); I voted against all the amendments to reduce the time limits. I respect those that have strong religious beliefs that they see overrides all the other considerations but I do not share that. The research shows that the viability of the current system is still the better option on health grounds and because I do not want to create a situation where we move back to the old unhealthy ‘back street’ measures; or a situation (which I remember) where only those who could afford it could get proper care. I voted not to change the current limits. None of the amendments were agreed and the system remains unchanged.

I am sure some will not agree with the way I voted on some of the issues but; as science advances increasingly quickly there will be more so-called ‘conscious votes’ that are difficult; contentious and complex. Challenging MP’s to vote in the best way and not just for what is politically expedient. I did not need anyone to sanction a ‘free vote’ for me on this occasion and will not require it in the future. I take all amendments to Bills as votes on merit, as you will see from my voting record. I hope that on that basis you will respect that I have done my best and why.

Dai Havard MP