Dutch cabinet: compromise on embryo testing
Sources in the Dutch government say the Cabinet has reached a compromise in the question of an expansion of embryo testing during in vitro fertilisation by the Maastricht University Medical Centre. A committee of medical experts will be set up which will make assessments on an individual basis.
The controversy started at the end of last month when Labour Party Deputy Health Minister Jet Bussemaker sent a letter to parliament saying she would grant permission to carry out tests for certain forms of hereditary disease, including breast and intestinal cancers. The junior Christian Union coalition partner objected, saying this violated a de facto moratorium on embryo testing.
The agreement to carry out testing on an individual basis allays the fears of the Christian Union since it guarantees that any expansion in embryo testing will be of a limited nature only.
Source: Radio Netherlands, 25 June 2008
