About the Bill
 The aim of the Bill is to update the regulation of assisted reproduction and embryo research in light of recent technological developments and changing societal perceptions. Current legislation (under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (HFEA)1990) is widely viewed as being based on outdated consideration and debate.
The Bill addresses regulation, embryonic sex selection, the welfare of the child, same-sex couples, restrictions on use of HFEA-collected data and increasing the scope of embryo research activities.
The draft Human Tissue and Embryo Bill was published earlier this year and a Department of health white paper on human fertilisation was published at the end of last year.
The provisions of the Bill have caused controversy in some quarters as the government is perceived to have reneged on its position in the white paper, which sought a complete ban on the creation of embryos made by fusing human and animal cells. As it now stands, the Bill allows for the creation of human-animal embryos for the purpose of medical research.
The Jennifer Trust's Position
The Jennifer Trust strongly supports this aspect of the Bill. We believe that research on human-animal embryos offers the real prospect of progress in the battle against SMA. Follow this link to read a fuller explanation of the science and the reasons why the Jennifer Trust is supporting the Bill in its current form.
As a member of the Genetic Interest Group (GIG), we are supporting a letter writing campaign to MPs emphasising the importance of certain aspects of the Bill for the advancement of medical research.
What You Can Do to Help
We appreciate that this is a sensitive topic for many families that may arouse strong personal opinions. However, if you support the Trust's position, we would ask you to consider writing to your MP by the middle of May, stressing the importance of the Bill for SMA research. This will ensure that your letter reaches your MP before the Bill is debated again in Parliament.
You can write to your MP at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. If you do not know who your MP is, you can find out at www.theyworkforyou.com or by contacting your local council. You can download a sample letter of support below that you can edit and send to your MP. A letter is preferred as it elicits a better response than an e-mail. It may help to explain why you are personally affected.
Downloadable Information
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact us on 01789 267 520. | 
