Science and Technology Committee

The Committee announced the inquiry on 24 October 2003. It will have two parts. In summer 2004, the Committee will take evidence from key individuals and organisations. First, the Committee needs to establish what the key issues are and wishes to get the views of a much wider group of people.

We hope that experts in the field such as lawyers and fertility specialists will take part, but it is just as important that people from all walks of life take part. You do not have to be an expert to have a view on the creation of new life.

Why hold this online consultation?

This is the first online consultation by a House of Commons Select Committee and the first time one has been used at the beginning of an inquiry to shape its progress. This means that people’s views WILL make a difference. The Committee will consider whether to invite contributors to the online consultation to give oral evidence at the House of Commons.

Why was the inquiry called?

This inquiry follows the publication in July 2002 of the committee’s report on Developments in Human Genetics and Reproduction. This concluded that:

“The Government’s apparent reluctance to enact new legislation in this sensitive area has led to a position where the 1990 Act is open to legal challenge. We recommend urgent action to remedy this and reconnect the Act with modern science.”

The Government responded by stating that:

“we believe the 1990 Act is functioning reasonably well and provides a framework within which new advances can be appropriately accommodated. However, we are committed to keeping the position under review and will continue to monitor scientific developments in the field of assisted reproduction to ensure the legislation covers them effectively.”

The Committee did not believe that this response was sufficient and decided to conduct an inquiry to establish where the threats to the Act lay and how it should be amended to deal with 21st century science.