The Genetic Interest Group Welcomes The New HFE Act

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 18 Nov 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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The Genetic Interest Group, the UK patient organisation for all those affected by genetic disorders, welcomes the passing into law of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act.

Alastair Kent, Director commented, "We congratulate all MPs for their contribution to a world class piece of legislation that provides a clear framework for the undertaking of cutting edge research into life limiting disorders, and balances ethical concerns inherent in this work with the potential benefits to those living with the consequences of some of the most dreadful diseases.

There is now scope for major progress in scientific knowledge and ultimately the development of effective treatments and or cures for currently intractable diseases. " The new Act enables new and evolving areas of research to be carried out which hold the promise of hope to many living with serious genetic conditions now and to those in the future. The Genetic Interest Group especially welcomes new legislation permitting the full potential of technologies surrounding embryonic stem cells to be examined and the continued availability of pre implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and saviour sibling technologies to those who need them.

Notes

- The Genetic Interest Group (GIG) is a UK national alliance of organisations with a membership of over 130 charities that support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders.

- GIG's primary goal is to promote awareness and understanding of genetic disorders so that high quality services for people affected by genetic conditions are developed and made available to all who need them.

- Individually, many genetic conditions are rare and as such it is difficult to raise their profile and the needs of those affected by them. GIG provides a common platform from which effective programmes to raise awareness, inform the media and influence government, industry and the NHS can be launched

- As an organisation focusing on issues of policy and practice GIG keeps an active watch on developments in the UK and Europe that will influence the effective transfer of knowledge and understanding into products and services for families that are supported by our member groups.

- In a potentially controversial field like genetics GIG provides a strong voice advocating the benefits of scientific progress in understanding the contribution being made now and that will be made in the years to come for improving health and combating many currently incurable diseases.

Genetic Interest Group