From Josephine Quintavalle
Comment on Reproductive Ethics
A. C. Grayling predictably asserts the virtues of libertarianism in the field of assisted reproduction (9 April, p 17). But pigeon-holing opposition as a religious minority does no credit to his arguments.
The UK House of Commons science and technology select committee did indeed consult broadly on the issues of IVF treatment and embryo research, but the subsequent report is disputed vociferously by half its members on the very basis that it in no way reflects public opinion. An analysis of the evidence, which is all available to the public, shows that between 82 and 84 per cent of respondents have remained conservative on reproductive ethics and have not altered their stance significantly since the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act was passed. On the specific issue of sex selection, recent television, newspaper and online polls showed that between 84 and 87 per cent of the British public were not in favour.
London, UK
