Debating Deafness And Embryo Selection: Are We Undermining Reproductive Confidence In The Deaf Community? April 9, 2008

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******** This event is FREE to attend, but advance booking is required. Further details are included below. If you should like to attend, please RSVP to sstarr (at) progress (dot) org (dot) uk ********

- DEBATING DEAFNESS AND EMBRYO SELECTION: ARE WE UNDERMINING REPRODUCTIVE CONFIDENCE IN THE DEAF COMMUNITY?

A debate organised by the Progress Educational Trust and the Wales Gene Park

Funded by the Wellcome Trust and supported by RNID

6.30pm-8pm, Wednesday 9 April 2008

Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5BW

http://www.techniquest.org/visiting/cardiff_travelling.php

Clause 14 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill says that in assisted reproduction, embryos known to be at risk of developing 'serious physical or mental disability' or 'serious illness' must not be preferred to embryos where there is no such risk. In the official Explanatory Notes to the Bill, and also during proceedings in the House of Lords, it has been specified that Clause 14 will prevent selecting embryos for deafness. This has prompted fierce debate, with critics of Clause 14 arguing that it impedes reproductive liberty and undermines reproductive confidence, while supporters of Clause 14 argue that the deliberate creation of deaf babies is immoral. Others have pointed to unintended consequences of Clause 14 for assisted reproduction, beyond prohibiting so-called 'designer deafness'. This public debate will see experts debate the issues from contrasting perspectives.

Speakers

- ANNA MIDDLETON
Consultant Research Genetic Counsellor at Cardiff University

- STEVE EMERY
British Sign Language Research Associate at Heriot-Watt University

- COLIN GAVAGHAN
Lecturer in Medical Law and Ethics at the University of Glasgow

Followed by questions from the floor

Chair
- GRAHAM TURNER
Chair of Interpreting and Translation Studies at Heriot-Watt University