Former Archbishop of Canterbury says human embryos should be allowed to develop in labs beyond 14 days
Baron Carey of Clifton could 'see no reason' why embryos should not be allowed to develop for longer, though many in the church see it as unethical
SCIENTISTS should be allowed to grow human embryos in the lab for longer than two weeks, the former Archbishop of Canterbury claims.
Currently, the legal limit for keeping them alive for experiments is 14 days.
But Baron Carey of Clifton – the head of the Church of England between 1991 and 2002 - said he could “see no reason” why embryos should not be allowed to develop for longer.
His views are likely to clash with others within the church.
Many fear extending the limit is unethical.
Researchers want to double the current time limit to 28 days so they can test the early development of embryos.
They hope it will help them understand why some pregnancies miscarry.
But opponents fear month-old embryos have started developing a nervous system and possibly feel pain.
Lord Carey said: “It is very clear that the ethical questions are still there.
“I personally see no reason why that can’t be extended beyond day 14. I’m not saying now but it will happen and I’m saying it ought to happen in due course.”
Baroness Warnock, who led an influential report into embryology laws 20 years ago, called for a fresh inquiry.
They were both speaking at a meeting of scientists, religious figures and ethicists in London - organised by the Progress Educational Trust - to discuss whether a change in the law is needed.
Baroness Warnock said it was likely the 14 day limit would be extended - but urged scientists and policy makers not to rush ahead.
She said: “I think it will in the end be extended, but I do think we need time to explain to the general public what exactly are the benefits that are expected.
“I think the benefits need to be ‘substantial’ before I can be persuaded that an extension of the current limit wouldn’t have bad consequences.”
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Until recently, scientists were unable to grow embryos in a lab for more than a few days.
But University of Cambridge researchers revealed earlier this year they had succeeded in keeping on alive for 13 days.
Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, who led that research, said extending the limit could help researchers better understand miscarriages and neurological diseases.
But Sally Cheshire, chair of regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embyrology Authority, said opposed calls to extend the current 14 day rule.
She said: “There is probably an awful lot more we can do with the current time before we leap towards extending the 14 day rule. I don’t think we are there yet.”
