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Pro-cloning vote "deeply disturbing—sad day for ethical standards in science", says SPUC
Westminster, 19 December 2000--The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has expressed its sadness at this evening's vote of the House of Commons in favour of research on cloned human embryos.
John Smeaton, SPUC national director, said: "Today's vote is deeply
disturbing. It is a sad day for ethical standards in science and
respect for innocent human life in Britain. This country has cast
itself into uncharted ethical waters. It has also broken ranks with
European political opinion, which is squarely opposed to all forms of
human cloning."
However Mr Smeaton held out hope, saying: "We feel that this
result is due to the insufficient time for debate given to MPs to
consider the profound issues involved. The House of Lords should give
this matter deep consideration and should reject the statutory
instrument when it is laid before them."
The measure to allow experimentation on cloned human embryos was passed by 366 votes to 174.
