abour’s controversial Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill has left figures within the community considering their position this week ahead of a crunch vote in parliament.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has allowed a free vote on three controversial issues of the Bill regarding stem cell research, human-animal hybrid embryos and genetic engineering after pressure from church leaders.
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The legislation could lead to successful treatments for degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease.
Jewish MPs said their decision will be based on the outcome of the debate. Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Louise Ellman told the Jewish News: “My main concern is to alleviate human suffering and I am considering all the points that have been put to me.”
Conservative MP for Ilford North Lee Scott said: “I will be listening to the debate very carefully. We are being given a free vote and I will vote according to my conscience. On the part about cloning human and animal embryos I have problems, but there are other parts which I will listen to and then decide.”

Brown allowed a free vote after Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, used his Easter Sermon to describe the proposed legislation as a “monstrous attack on human rights, human dignity and human life” which would create “Frankenstein” experiments.
But figures in the Jewish community have adopted a calmer approach.
Fertility expert Lord Winston said the Cardinal was making “overblown statements.”
Maidenhead Synagogue Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain said: “Judaism is just as concerned at the sanctity of human life as Catholicism but strongly differs from Cardinal Keith O'Brien's Easter sermon against the Embryology Bill.
“The creation of human-animal hybrid embryos for medical research is not to be condemned as 'Frankenstein science' but welcomed as a life-saving development that uses our God-given skills in the noblest of causes.
“Crossing boundaries always carries risks, but providing safeguards against abuse are put in place, there is no need to fear the future and it is irresponsible to hold-back the progress that could benefit so many lives.
“The Cardinal is accusing scientists of creating monsters, but maybe it is even more monstrous to obstruct possible cures.”
University College London Professor David Katz, Chairman of the Jewish Medical Association and Executive member of the Board of Deputies, told the Jewish News: “Of course there are a variety of different views about this bill amongst academics and in the Jewish community. This is why it is felt that this should be a matter of free conscience rather than party politics.”
He said that the two controversial issues of stem cell research and human-animal hybrid embryos have been ruled halachically permissible as long as they are for health reasons and to save a life.
On the issue of genetic engineering he said this needs to be considered on a case by case basis, “You cannot give a ruling unless you know the circumstances. It is not an issue which you should have a global ruling, you have to discuss each individual case. There are different issues with different diseases.”
He also disagreed with Catholic leaders who don’t think the Bill is appropriate. “There is a Catholic extreme view and I don’t think there would be widespread support in the Jewish community, from the halachic view, in saying the government shouldn’t be involved.”
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