Testimonials

This is what some of the people who have worked with the Progress Educational Trust (PET) have to say about the charity.

---

'PET has consistently been a beacon of rationality and good sense in the often confused debates surrounding human reproduction. BioNews, now passing its 500th edition, has proved a valuable resource for all concerned that progress in ethics and policy related to reproduction is measured in terms of human flourishing and welfare. I wish PET well for the next 500 years.'

John Harris (Lord David Alliance Professor of Bioethics and Director of the Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation at the University of Manchester)

---

PET has proved to be at the cutting edge of medical ethics, with a remarkable ability not only to focus on the key issues ahead of us, but also to draw together experts from an exciting range of medical, ethical and religious backgrounds who can bring a multidisciplinary approach to bear on those issues.

Dr Jonathan Romain (Chair of the Accord Coalition and Rabbi at Maidenhead Synagogue)

---

'Antenatal Results and Choices supports parents throughout prenatal testing and its aftermath, and we greatly appreciate the work of PET. Its staff do an excellent job of enabling and promoting measured and balanced public debate of the complex and sensitive issues facing expectant parents in the 21st century.'

Jane Fisher (Director of Antenatal Results and Choices)

---

'PET is an organisation worthy of the name 'Progress'. Its staff are unstinting in their commitment to ensuring that issues of the day are both identified and debated. A range of views are given space on their conference platforms and through their publications, in the spirit of encouraging open debate. BioNews is one of the most important communications in the field, offering up to the minute information and comment from a wide range of sources.'

Dr Marilyn Crawshaw (Chair of the Project Group on Assisted Reproduction) and Eric Blyth (Professor of Social Work at the University of Huddersfield)

---

'PET organised an important debate about deaf people and genetics - Debating Deafness and Embryo Selection: Are We Undermining Reproductive Confidence in the Deaf Community? - at a time when the UK government was introducing legislation that would have a direct impact on the deaf community, who had not been informed or consulted. The debate enabled the deaf community to become more aware of the issues. PET was also instrumental in organising meetings between representatives of the deaf community and the Department of Health on this issue. Important media attention was also gained as a result of the involvement of PET.'

Dr Steve Emery (Research Fellow at the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol)

---

'It is good to have the work of PET helping people to understand what is happening at the cutting edge of science, and encouraging people to think seriously about the ethical dimension of this progress.'

Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries (Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords and Professor of Divinity at Gresham College)

---

'Congratulations on the 500th edition of BioNews, the indispensable source of information on human genetics and assisted reproduction. Up-to-date facts, thought provoking debates and stimulating commentaries make it essential reading for anyone involved with or interested in this field. A superb resource, BioNews is a gem which is all too easily taken for granted. Becoming a Friend of PET and encouraging others to do likewise will ensure that BioNews continues.'

Jane Denton (Director of the Multiple Births Foundation and Women's Health Adviser at the Royal College of Nursing)

---

'PET provides an invaluable, independent forum for the discussion of topics central to the application of genetics in medicine. In many cases, issues are involved that are of personal and community sensitivity. Having been involved in one such debate - Cousin Marriage: A Cause for Concern? - I was impressed by the even-handed and professional manner in which the subject was approached, and by the opportunities available for invited contributors and members of the audience to freely express their opinions and concerns. In addressing such subjects, PET is a significant contributor to healthy and informed discourse within UK society.'

Alan Bittles (Director of the Centre for Human Genetics and Foundation Professor of Human Biology at Edith Cowan University)

---

'I worked with PET in April 2008, when we organised a public discussion in Cardiff, Debating Deafness and Embryo Selection: Are We Undermining Reproductive Confidence in the Deaf Community?. PET staff were enthusiastic, dedicated and lovely to work with, and their experience and skills were most helpful. The Wales Gene Park would definitely work with PET again. We wish it every success.'

Claudine Anderson (Public Engagement Officer at the Wales Gene Park)

---

'The National Gamete Donation Trust is proud to be associated with PET and BioNews. BioNews produces topical commentaries and reviews on the ethical, legal and social issues surrounding assisted reproduction and human genetics, and is highly regarded in its field. We frequently rely on the information gathered and distributed by BioNews, to gain understanding of wider issues.'

Pip Morris (Donor Recruitment Manager at the National Gamete Donation Trust)