Christians pray for Embryology Bill defeat

Christians of all denominations gathered outside Parliament on Monday to pray that MPs vote against the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Bill when it faces its second reading in the House of Commons.

MPs are expected to vote in favour of sending the controversial HFE Bill to committee stages.

The prayer vigil was hosted by Christian Concern for our Nation in the hope of a miracle similar to that which occurred exactly two years ago to the day, when Lord Joffe's Bill to legalise euthanasia was defeated at second reading stage.

"With faith and humility we must come together to pray for a great miracle," said CCFON. "Monday, 12th May is the day after Pentecost and exactly 2 years since the miraculous defeat at second reading of the Joffe Bill which would have legalised euthanasia in this country.

"We would like Christians everywhere to come in their hundreds and stand outside Parliament and pray for this miracle; pray that MPs will vote against the principle of the Bill.

"If such a vote is won then the Bill will be defeated right from the outset."

The Bill proposes a number of changes to the current law on the early stages of human life, including the legalisation of research using hybrid embryos - embryos created by combining human DNA and animal cells - and the removal of any reference to "the need for a father" for children born as a result of fertility treatment.

If the Bill is sent to the committee stage, MPs will begin to debate the ethics behind hybrid embryos, stem cell creation, and "saviour siblings" in the coming weeks, as well as vote on a number of amendments, including one to lower the legal abortion limit to 16 or 18 weeks from 24 weeks.

Scientists in favour of the Bill argue that hybrid embryos will solve the current shortfall of embryos that they need to make stem cells for research into cures for conditions such as motor neurone disease or Parkinson's.

Opponents, however, argue that such research strikes at the core of what it means to be a human being, ignores public opinion on the issue, and is unnecessary in light of ethical alternatives such as adult stem cells and umbilical cord blood stem cells.

Labour MPs have been given a free vote on the parts of the Bill pertaining to hybrid embryos, saviour siblings and the need for a father for IVF children, after Prime Minister Gordon Brown came under huge pressure from Christians, particularly the Catholic Church, to allow Labour MPs to vote according to their conscience.

Scientists at Newcastle University announced earlier this year that it had created the first hybrid embryo in Britain, after the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) granted the team a licence in January.