The Embryo Research Debate
Science and the Politics of Reproduction

Highly accessible cultural account of the debates concerning human embryo research.

Michael Mulkay (Author)

9780521571807, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 February 1997

228 pages
23.4 x 15.9 x 1.8 cm, 0.478 kg

'It is a scholarly contribution I expect will be of long-lasting value that Mulkay has compiled so rich a description of the ins and outs, the dates and the debates, the players and the positions in this singular moral controversy … Mulkay's account is exemplary of the best … Detailed, perceptive and thorough, it is a valuable portrait of an unusual public debate in Britain.' Sarah Franklin, Public Understanding of Science

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.

Preface and acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. The background to the debate
2. The sequence of parliamentary debate
3. Political parties and ministerial tactics
4. The impact of the pro-research lobby
5. Embryos in the news
6. Women and men
7. Science and religion
8. The myth of Frankenstein
9. Embryo research and the slippery slope
Epilogue: intruders in the Fallopian tube or a dream of perfect human reproduction
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Ethical issues & debates [JFM]