By Alison Bryan | December 15th, 2007
The NDCS has produced a statement on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
The following is NDCS’ response to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
The Bill
Note: This statement relates to Clause 14 of this Bill, which states:
(9) Persons or embryos that are known to have a gene, chromosome or mitochondrion abnormality involving a significant risk that a person with the abnormality will have or develop-
(a) a serious physical or mental disability,
(b) a serious illness, or
(c) any other serious medical condition,
must not be preferred to those that are not known to have such an abnormality.
NDCS statement
NDCS’s vision is a world without barriers for every deaf child. We believe that:
* Every deaf child has the right to the same opportunities as a hearing child
* Every deaf child has the right to be included and valued by society
* Families have the right to make informed choices on behalf of their deaf child and for those choices to be implemented
* Families have the right to clear and balanced information and support, delivered in a way that is accessible to them
NDCS welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this complex, often controversial but much needed debate. We look forward to the disability movement being consulted about this Bill’s implications for disabled people.
NDCS does not support whole-population screening for genetic conditions, with the consequent risk of moving towards a society in which difference and diversity is no longer accepted or tolerated. NDCS does not consider that the eventual elimination of deafness, however unlikely, would be in the best interests of society.
Deafness is not an illness or life-threatening condition. Therefore we believe that if support is provided and positive attitudes are fostered, the challenge of deafness can be a rewarding one for deaf children and their families. NDCS will continue to campaign for a society in which deafness is not stigmatised and deaf children are viewed as individuals who have all the opportunities that are available to hearing people to develop and maximise their skills and abilities.
See also our policy on genetics and deafness.
NDCS will continue to monitor the Bill as it goes through Parliament.
Source:
NDCS Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill Statement
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