Unconstituted on Red

Embryonic ethics #2

On a BBC2 programme tonight a mock-up trial was held where a doctor kept embryos for 19 days so that the chance of them developing into nerve tissue would be increased. The doctor did so in hope of increasing a paralysed man's chances of walking again.

In the UK it is illegal to keep embryos past 14 days as this is the period where in natural fertilisation the egg attaches itself to the womb. Pro-life groups argue that even this is amoral as life starts on fertitisation and that the law should reflect this.

There was a public phone in to decide the verdict of the jury, and two endings were shot. The public overwealmingly voted 81% in favour of the defendant.

If you feel differently you can find the alternate ending on the BBC2 website found by clicking on the heading above, (in orange).

posted by Wanderlust @ 11:49 PM