More heat than light

Cardinal Keith O'Brien has really stirred things up with his remarks on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. It's a very complicated and emotive subject, so it helps to try to keep things in perspective. Far from creating a 'Frankenstein-type monster' as Keith argues, it would give scientists, under extremely closely controlled conditions, the opportunity to try to develop ways of addressing genetic diseases such as Parkinson's. There is no guarantee of course, but as the Herald remarked, it is an absolute certainty that no scientific breakthrough would be possible if the Bill weren't passed. Hopes would be dashed. It wasn't so long ago that similar arguments were made about human organ transplants, now they are commonplace. I wonder whether all those, who are so vehemently opposed to this Bill, would refuse any treatment for their loved ones, which may have come about as a result of this research? Just a thought. Anyway, make your own minds up: here.