Harry's Blog

I've watched the debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill rather aghast at the unscientific, uncharitable and anti-intellectual guff that has been spouted by various bishops over the last few days.

You would think that science was suggesting we open up the gates of Hell rather than keeping splodges of cells alive for just two weeks to help solve major illnesses and bring relief to millions. There's more life in the potatoes in your cupboard than these embryos. But there are some clerics who think these splodges have more right to life than you mother suffering from alzheimer's, your dad with Parkinsons, your friend with cancer.

But the debate has become so once sided thanks to the shrill emotional blackmail that has poured forth from high-placed clerics. Their views have not only been given in an emotionally manipulative manner, but also have been full of lies and misrepresentations.

I'm not saying their stance is complete wrong or that they cannot express their opposition to the bill, but there's no need to lie and misinform members of their church over the issue. It's issues like this one that make me so glad we live in a secular society rather than a theocracy. I make no apologies for saying that if this research could ease the suffering or save the life of any member of my family than I am totally behind it.

My mother died of cancer, as did my nana and my uncle. I've lost way too many people in my life to medical problems that could be and should be solved. I will lose no sleep at all over a few embryonic cells used to keep loved ones from suffering.

Catholics are being asked by the church leadership to vote with their conscience. Or at least the church's conscience. I totally reject that kind of dogmatic blackmail. Just because I'm a Catholic I see no reason to lose my head and give in to scaremongering by leaders of the Roman church. This is the kind of thing that keeps us lapsed Catholics lapsed you know.

There's a very interesting editorial by David Aaronovitch in The Times about this issue.