Assisted Reproduction and Embryo Experimentation

Advances in embryology over the last 30 years have opened up a whole new field of moral questions about how far we can and should go in using embryos for research. LIFE’s firm commitment to the protection of human life from the moment of fertilisation gives us a special insight into these issues.

Our school talks discuss embryo research – with a particular focus on contemporary debates in the field of embryonic stem cells – and reproductive technologies, such as IVF. We give a full and clear scientific explanation of the relevant processes, and then try to bring out some of the ethical problems e.g. is it acceptable to dispose of “genetically inadequate” embryos before implantation?