Question
asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 18 June (WA 9–10), why they have permitted the genetic modification of embryos to study implantation when they have also stated that there is no intention to implant such an embryo.
Answer
The draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill contains provisions to allow researchers to apply for a licence to alter the genetic structure of a human embryo for any of the research purposes specified in Schedule 2 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. As with any research project licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority at present, the regulatory authority must consider whether the research is necessary or desirable for that purpose. For research purposes only, the Government intend to remove the restriction on altering the genetic structure of a cell while it forms part of an embryo. This could aid understanding of genetic pathways involved in implantation and the mutations resulting in failure of implantation. For example, modifying a specific gene thought to affect the ability of an embryo to implant will allow scientists to learn about its function by looking at the effects on other genes in the early embryo. This approach could identify potential targets for treatment without the need to place the modified embryo in a woman.