The Embryo Research Debate: Science and the Politics of Reproduction

by Michael Mulkay

• ISBN13: 9780521571807
• ISBN10: 0521571804
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-02-13
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Scientific research involving human embryos was a major topic of public debate in Britain during the 1980s. Despite strong support from the scientific community, embryo research was initially condemned by many ordinary people as well as by special interest groups, and came close to being banned by Act of Parliament. Michael Mulkay describes the dynamics of the parliamentary struggle over the future of embryo research, focusing on such issues as: the clash between the anti-abortion and pro-research lobbies; the tactics of the Government; political ideology; the media's role; the importance of gender; religion; the impact of science fiction; the lure of medical advance; and the difficulty of maintaining ethical control. He explains how the advocates of embryo research eventually triumphed, and ends with an examination of the cultural tensions which linger after the debate.

Table of Contents

Preface and acknowledgements	x
List of abbreviations	xiii
Introduction	1	(5)
The background to the debate	6	(14)
The sequence of parliamentary debate	20	(23)
Political parties and ministerial tactics	43	(14)
The impact of the pro-research lobby	57	(12)
Embryos in the news	69	(14)
Women and men	83	(13)
Science and religion	96	(20)
The myth of Frankenstein	116	(15)
Embryo research and the slippery slope	131	(40)
Epilogue: intruders in the fallopian tube or a dream of perfect human reproduction	159	(12)
Notes	171	(36)
Index	207