Abortion, Stem Cells, hybrid embryos and IVF

4.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2008

Parliament is undertaking a series of votes this week on 'ethical and moral' issues.

Yesterday they voted to allow the creation of hybrid embryos, which have a combination of human and animal DNA, as well as "saviour siblings" to save sick children. Hybrid embryos were allowed by 336 votes to 176, a majority of 168 and Saviour Siblings were allowed by 342 votes to 163, a majority of 179.

Today Parliament votes on if lesbian couples should be allowed access to IVF - indeed I was woken up by a text message this morning asking me just that! If IVF is to be offered then it must be offered to everyone, I am sure they are many safeguards in place and counselling to ensure whoever has IVF would make a suitable parent.

Parliament will also votes on whether to cut the upper time limit of 24 weeks on abortions, having looked at quite a lot of medical research and evidence over the last couple of days I would support the limit remaining at 24, although we can now see foetuses smiling and moving in the womb it still appears the viability of survival under 24 weeks is still very low.