(Except clauses 4, 11, 14 and 23, schedule 2, and any new clauses or new schedules relating to the termination of pregnancy by registered medical practitioners) - Clause 29
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]
4:00 pm
Evan Harris (Shadow Minister, Innovation, Universities and Skills; Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
Even despite the caveats, it is clear from what the Minister is saying and from her letter—at least she is being clear—that anyone who cultures eggs in vitro will have to get a licence because the eggs might divide. I wanted to confirm that there is no escape from that and that things that did not previously require a licence will now require one for safety.
There is a further problem, because storing gametes is a licensable activity. Where, in terms of the development of the germ line cell, does the gamete start? If work is being done to generate IV-derived gametes, researchers will require a licence because an early-stage IV-derived gamete, even if it is just a germ cell at an early stage—a stem cell—will be covered. If the Minister can make that clear, there will at least be clarity.