News on ethics in medicine and biotechnology: March 2005Electronic tags for eggs, sperm and embryosIn a bid to stop mistakes, the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is considering labelling all embryos, eggs and sperm with barcodes or electronic ID tags. 30 March 2005, New Scientist (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) 'Few differences' on GM cropThe results of the Government's latest farm-scale evaluation GM crop trials provide valuable information on the management of these crops, according to the NFU. 25 March 2005, Checkbiotech.org Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) EU says unapproved Syngenta GMO maize sets no riskThe European Union on Wednesday played down fears about the impact of an unauthorised strain of U.S. genetically modified maize, saying it was similar to a type already approved. 23 March 2005, Reuters (UK) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) UK ponders fertility reformsAn influential committee of British politicians will advise tomorrow (March 24) that the government should allow couples to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) purely for sex selection, as part of a package of fertility regulation reforms. 23 March 2005, The Scientist (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) EU Commission set to push ahead with new GMOsThe European Commission is set to carry on with its practice of introducing new genetically modified products to the EU market, amid reluctance by several member states and general public opposition. 22 March 2005, checkbiotech.org Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Switzerland reaches a crossroadNow that the EU has started to slowly hoist its sails to catch the global biotech wind, Switzerland finds itself at a crossroad with genetic engineering. 16 March 2005, Checkbiotech.org (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Second ovary transplant successA second woman has had a successful ovarian tissue transplant, Belgian doctors have announced. 16 March 2005, BBC News Online (UK) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Vaccination against tears and snifflingWhile everybody is enjoying themselves when spring finally begins, people suffering from pollen allergies feel much less comfortable. However, there is hope—genetically engineered birch pollen has considerably improved the traditional immune therapies of allergic diseases. 15 March 2005, Checkbiotech.org (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Gene test data use is restrictedMinisters have struck a deal to extend a moratorium on the use of genetic test results to deny people insurance. 14 March 2005, BBC News Online Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) British first as new therapy gives boy, 4, hope of normal lifeA CHILD born with a genetic defect that left him defenceless against infection has been cured by gene therapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital in Central London. 11 March 2005, Times Online (UK) Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) UN abandons legal ban on human cloningThe United Nations has given up its attempt to introduce a worldwide legal ban on some or all types of human cloning. On Tuesday its deeply divided general assembly voted to adopt a watered-down "declaration" that condemns all forms of human cloning but is not legally binding. 9 March 2005, New Scientist Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) German Minister stops safety research with GM cropsGermany’s Minister for Consumer Rights and Agriculture, Renate Kuenast, is facing allegations that she used her political position to put a stop to at least two research projects that were studying genetically modified (GM) crops The Scientist is reporting. 9 March 2005, Checkbiotech.org (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) MEPs seek inquiry into donor payA group of Euro MPs is calling for action to be taken against the UK government over claims that British fertility clinics are paying large sums of money to women in Romania to donate eggs. 8 March 2005, BBC News Online (UK) Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) We'll try abroad if Lords rule 'no' - gene baby coupleParents who are trying to have a 'genetically selected' baby to help save the life of one of their sick children have warned that they will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if the House of Lords this week bans the creation of 'saviour siblings'. 6 March 2005, The Observer (UK) Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Check on gene therapy after leukaemia scare in FranceA British gene therapy trial is to be reviewed after three boys developed leukaemia in a similar French trial. One of the boys died. 4 March 2005, The Scientist (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) National genetic diagnosis serviceA new designated national diagnostic service providing highly specialised treatment for couples at risk of having a child with a potentially life-threatening condition was announced today. 3 March 2005, The Scotsman (UK) Also see: (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) We won't sell it - Majority of EU retailers say no to GEWhat do the major European food retailers and producers think about genetically engineered (GE) food? In a new Greenpeace report, we asked them. Of the 60 top companies we contacted, 49 of them won't use GE in their own brands, and they've gone on record saying so. 3 March 2005, Greenpeace News (Submitted by SIBLE, UK) Sweden to allow IVF for lesbiansLesbian couples will no longer need to go abroad for IVF treatment
3 March 2005, BBC News Online (UK) (Submitted by SIBLE, UK)
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