Two of the candidates for the upcoming presidential elections in the US have publicly criticised George W Bush's policy on human embryonic stem (ES) cell research. On 9 August 2001, President Bush announced that federally-funded scientists in the US could only work on ES cell lines already in existence before...
US researchers have identified a key mouse gene involved in bone density, which they say could lead to new treatments for the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis. A team lead by scientists at Oregon Health and Science University found that mice lacking the Alox15 gene have stronger, more dense bones than normal...
The legislature of the US state of New Jersey has taken major steps towards allowing embryo stem (ES) cell research. In December, the state assembly passed a bill by 41-31 specifically promoting ES cell research - making it only the second state in the US to do so. Last week...
Two UK charities that provide information and support for people affected by infertility have joined forces, to form Infertility Network UK (INUK). CHILD and ISSUE merged in December 2003, and INUK was formally launched in Liverpool last week, during the joint meeting of the Association of Clinical Embryologists and the...
The Canadian federal government is to reintroduce legislation on assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and related matters. Last October, bill C-13, entitled 'an Act respecting assisted human reproduction', was passed by the Canadian House of Commons by 149-109 votes, after almost ten years of debate and despite vigorous pro-life...
US researchers have identified a common gene variation that can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke - but only in combination with a diet high in certain types of fat. The new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that people who inherit an altered version...
The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has published a revised Code of Practice, the sixth since the establishment of the authority in 1991. The code provides guidelines for HFEA-licensed fertility clinics on the provision of IVF and related services. The most significant addition to the new edition of...
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Comment
Intergenerational justice
by Sheila McLean
Every parent, or intending parent, wishes the best for their children; indeed, for their children's children. Protecting the interests and welfare of these children is generally something which parents take seriously, choosing - where possible - the best schools, diet, and so on, to give their children the best possible lives. Indeed...