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PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WORLD FEDERATION OF DOCTORS WHO RESPECT HUMAN LIFE 25 March 2008 An American perspective on the current Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill from noted bioethicist Wesley J. Smith.** "The United Kingdom is in danger of becoming "Brave New Britain." Heedless of the intrinsic value of human life, swooning for the siren song of "CURES! CURES! CURES" the government apparently believes that scientists should have a blank check—both ethically and financially. But proper ethics are crucial to excellence in science. A science sector that treats human life—even at its nascent stages—as mere malleable clay or akin to a corn crop ripe for the harvest, will be likely to also lose respect for human life at other stages of existence. We tempt the whirl wind when we permit the creation of human/animal hybrid embryos. We objectify procreation when we accede to creating new babies to be used for body parts. Some might say, so what if the body part baby is also a wanted baby in his or her own right. But what if the baby is not wanted, but only created for his or her parts? What then? "The crucial point upon which to focus is that we can progress as a world society into the biotech century without sacrificing human dignity. We can achieve proper treatments without instrumentalizing the most vulnerable among us or eschewing the equality of human life ethic for a dystopian utilitarianism. It is the wise government that promotes science, indeed lauds it—but wiser still is the government that also always ensures that proper checks and balances are placed around this most powerful enterprise. "The current embryo bill utterly fails in this crucial task. It is my great hope that the government will agree to substantial amendments. If not, it should be defeated." Wesley J. Smith www.wesleyjsmith.com ---------------------------- **Notes for editors: Award-winning author and lawyer Wesley J. Smith is a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, an attorney for the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, and a special consultant for the Center for Bioethics and Culture. He has authored books on issues such as cloning, stem cells, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and bioethics. The World Federation of Doctors who Respect Human Life is an affiliation of doctors throughout the world who support the traditional medical ethic of sevice to life. Contact: The Administrator PO Box 17317 London SW3 4WJ This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it +(44) 20 7730 3059 |
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