Embryos: are we freezing human rights as well?
It is indicative of our increasing tolerance as a society that such a conference was held publicly to discuss the implications of assisted human reproduction techniques.
Much of the discussion focused on regulation , which is badly needed, but I feel that the status of the embryo in these techniques is sometimes overlooked.
Infertility is traumatic for any couple, but the right to have a child must be weighed against the right of the unborn embryo to protection.
In IVF many embryos are created. Only two or three are implanted in the womb in each IVF cycle the remainder are frozen.
What happens to these surplus embryos is a concern to anyone interested in human rights. Should long-term freezing be allowed?
Should research into growing these embryos, and then harvesting their organs or stem cells (which automatically means destruction), be allowed?
These questions can only be answered when we determine if these embryos have any human rights.
According to our constitution all those "beo gan breith" have the right to life and the growing body of scientific evidence indicates that life begins at the moment of fertilisation of the ovum by the sperm.
It is then that a new, genetically unique individual is created and begins to produce specifically human proteins and enzymes, directing his/her further growth and development as a person.
The commission's recommendations to the Government must reflect the need for protection of these tiny vulnerable human beings while regulating a growing industry so that couples desperate for a family will not be exploited.
This need is highlighted by the recent death of a woman due to complications arising from infertility treatment.
Audrey Dillon,
Main Street,
Ballymahon,
Co Longford.
