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ESRC Genomics Network responds to decision to extend egg sharing licence

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22.12.2006

The ESRC Genomics Network¹ (EGN) has responded with concern to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) decision to extend the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) team’s egg sharing arrangement².

Dr Alexandra Plows, EGN Research Associate and one of the meeting’s organisers commented:

“I am not surprised by the HFEA decision to grant the license. The HFEA has just run a public consultation³ on donating eggs for research and our expert meeting was fairly critical of the [then] consultation process, which even at the time gave the impression of being a fait accompli. Public confidence in the public engagement process, and ultimately the consultation’s conclusions, is bound to be diminished."

The EGN recently held 2 events discussing the controversial issue of women donating eggs for stem cell research.

A public ‘question time’ style debate in Edinburgh looked at whether women’s health should be compromised in the pursuit of scientific research (An expert meeting held in Cardiff explored the question of whether scientific researchers should be allowed to ask women to provide their eggs for research.

Emma Capewell | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.genomicsforum.ac.uk/default.aspx?newsId=35

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