Genetic Modification

House of Lords written question – answered at on 6 February 2014.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Alton of Liverpool Lord Alton of Liverpool Crossbench

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 22 January (WA 128–9), whether they are opposed to genetic modification of humans in all circumstances.

Photo of Earl Howe Earl Howe The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, as amended, determines the eggs, sperm and embryos that can be used for human reproductive treatment purposes. The Act provides that only eggs, sperm and embryos that are considered to be “permitted” eggs, sperm and embryos, as defined by section 3ZA, may be placed in a woman.

Eggs, sperm and embryos are considered to be permitted if the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA has not been altered. However, section 3ZA(5) allows for regulations to be made to allow eggs and embryos to be classified as permitted (and therefore used in treatment) if, in specified circumstances, they have had a process applied to them designed to prevent the transmission of serious mitochondrial disease.

The application of any other process would prevent the egg, sperm or embryo from being considered permitted and, therefore, would prohibit them from being placed in a woman. This reflects the debates and approval of Parliament and the Government has no plans to amend the primary legislation in this area.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes0 people think so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.