This event was oversubscribed, and had a long waiting list; which gives indicates the topic’s current importance.

A full English transcript, can now be found here [PDF].

Do we consider ourselves as part of Disability Group? Yes and No!

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

To the attention of His Excellency, Ambassador David Reddaway,

I am writing to express my grave concern about the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill by your Parliament. I have followed the concerns expressed by the British Deaf community and share their serious concerns about the future implications of the Bill on the British Deaf community and Deaf communities internationally.

The chairperson of British Deaf Association articulately explained the collective concerns (see attached letter please).*

I appreciate if you can convey my concern to the relevant persons in the Parliament.

Yours truly,
John Bosco Conama

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* BDA letter attached

A reply from the British Embassy in Ireland:

Thank you for your email of 2 December about the Human Fertilisation and Embyology Bill. I will arrange for it to be passed onto the appropriate people in the British Parliament.

Yours sincerely
David Reddaway
Ambassador
British Embassy