Evangelical Alliance Raises Awareness of Risks to Human Society

The Evangelical Alliance has aligned itself with a number of leading Christian charities that have expressed their fears over the ethical implications of new cloning and IVF treatment technology currently being developed.

Just this week various Christian Charities have expressed fears that the role of the father is in danger following an announcement that UK fertility laws would be reviewed. The review could make it easier for single women and lesbians to undergo fertility treatment and social concern charity CARE are worried that parliament could pass legislation “in the name of cheap and cheerful equality”.

The Department of Health have released a consultation paper which follows last year’s report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee. The report criticised the current Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, which states that account must be taken of the welfare of the child, specifically the need for a father, before IVF treatment is needed. It is thought that the government will now seek to update the Act, which dates from 1990.

With great fear over the future for human society, the Evangelical Alliance UK has highlighted the risks that appear to be resulting from the new technologies.

The Head of Public Affairs at the Evangelical Alliance, Dr Don Horrocks has released a statement saying, “We are talking about huge ethical issues. The cloning of embryos, the creation of designer babies and the use of IVF embryos, the ability of parents to determine the gender of their children, the need for a father, and the implications of other futuristic technologies are all part of a complex matrix of ethical concerns that require the establishment of a major standing consultative body to consider the issues in depth.”

Pointing out the magnitude that the issue could have on today’s society as a whole, Horrocks said, “It is not an exaggeration to say that the related implications are so important that the future of human society is at stake.”

Ministers, who will debate issues such as designer babies and the rise of what has been termed 'fertility tourism' later on this year, could clampdown on online sperm banks or place them under the same controls as traditional clinics. The review will also provide guidance on when embryos can be screened to select children free from a genetic disorder, or as a match for ill brothers or sisters. The Government hopes to amend existing laws to reflect scientific developments and new technologies.

The Evangelical Alliance has stated that it recognises that the Act, as well as the role of the Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA) are in great need of review, however, it calls for more time to be given. Currently just three months has been given by the government for consultation on the matter.

Dr Horrocks concluded, “Christians, as well as others, will be especially worried at the potential implications for children and the need for family identity.”