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In the ethically fraught field of human-embryo research, Britain's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has long been regarded as a world leader in regulating and advising scientists.
But now the HFEA faces the axe, and researchers and politicians are chorusing their discontent. "I'm absolutely astonished at this," says Ruth Deech, an independent member of the House of Lords and former chair of the HFEA. "I think our standing in the world will be reduced."
Since it was created by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in 1990, the HFEA has regulated fertility treatment and research involving human embryos in the United Kingdom (see 'The development of an embryo agency'). Its work involves inspecting and licensing centres, as well as providing ethical and legal advice to scientists and the public. Scientists have generally applauded the HFEA for providing a clear set of boundaries for what research is permissible. "It's looked upon as an organization that is often the first to make decisions that define scientific and clinical barriers," says Justin St. John, director of the Centre for Reproduction...
But now the HFEA faces the axe, and researchers and politicians are chorusing their discontent. "I'm absolutely astonished at this," says Ruth Deech, an independent member of the House of Lords and former chair of the HFEA. "I think our standing in the world will be reduced."
Since it was created by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in 1990, the HFEA has regulated fertility treatment and research involving human embryos in the United Kingdom (see 'The development of an embryo agency'). Its work involves inspecting and licensing centres, as well as providing ethical and legal advice to scientists and the public. Scientists have generally applauded the HFEA for providing a clear set of boundaries for what research is permissible. "It's looked upon as an organization that is often the first to make decisions that define scientific and clinical barriers," says Justin St. John, director of the Centre for Reproduction...