Clause 42
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]
6:00 pm
Gary Streeter (South West Devon, Conservative)
The clause is the first in a series of measures giving legal effect to same-sex couples—in this case lesbian couples—having IVF, in some cases on the NHS. I hope that the Committee will forgive me if I make a few comments to suggest why the clause should not stand part of the Bill. In doing so, I am speaking for myself—not for my party or as a Front-Bench spokesperson.
The clause should not be allowed to pass without making some comment to reflect a considerable amount of opinion in the country. As we legislate on behalf of the whole country, it is important that certain opinions are voiced, and I hope to do so in a reasonable manner.
I wish to express concern about the clause and subsequent clauses. Some people argue that because gay adoption is legal, it is only natural that same-sex couples should have the right to equal access to IVF treatment. The clause deals particularly with the birth certificate arrangements in that instance. I certainly understand the argument in terms of equality, but I believe that permitting IVF for lesbian couples is wholly different from lesbian adoption. I say that because when a child is conceived who is later adopted by a lesbian couple, they at least had the chance of having a father and might well have had a father for a certain period of time. That child already exists. We are talking about the state facilitating the process of a child being created who will have no chance whatsoever of ever having a father during the duration of his or her childhood, and the Bill has precisely that effect. Do you want to slap me down, Mr. Hood?