Court embryo ruling wrong
Saturday November 18 2006
The assertion by the High Court Judge that it was not possible for the court to say when life begins is extraordinary.
Any second level student of biology knows that human life has its starting point at fertilisation.
The embryo, from the moment of fertilisation possesses his/her complete genetic code, which will programme his/her growth and development throughout life. Nothing further is added to the human embryo after fertilisation except time and nourishment.
In 1983, when Article 40.3.3 was voted on after a protracted debate, it was five years after the birth of Louise Browne, the first IVF baby. Therefore, it is reasonable to presume that legal protection for the child embryo outside the womb, such as during the IVF process, had to have been a consideration, both for those drafting, and those voting on the amendment.
This government claims to be committed to the protection of children's rights. If this is the case, the government should support a Supreme Court appeal on this matter, and introduce legislation to protect the right to life of all human embryos, whether inside or outside the womb. EILIS GREALY, GALWAY FOR LIFE, OZANAM HOUSE, GALWAY
