Controlling the course of scientific advance : the case of human embryology
Controlling the course of scientific advance : the case of human embryology
The regulation of scientific advance, and of any subsequent developments in clinical practice, is analysed with particular reference to embryo research and the new techniques of assisted reproduction, which have been available both in the UK and internationally during the last thirty years. The extent to which science and clinical professionals and public opinion have influenced the evolution of the current regulatory framework in the UK is considered.
Firstly, the events leading up to the birth of the first IVF baby, the political response and the recourse to public inquiry are described. The deliberations and recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry, against a background of further developments in embryo research and obstetrics are then considered. This is followed by an in depth analysis of the embryo debate during the 1980s, the concurrent scientific and clinical advances, the public and political responses, the increasing and essential involvement in reproductive scientists and clinicians in the debate, and the final emergence in 1990 of facilitative legislation and a Statutory Licensing Authority.
Secondly, the success of this statutory authority is considered as it has continued to interpret the requirements of the Embryology Act, satisfy the demands of both the scientific and clinical professions, advise Government over new developments, reassure and accommodate patients, and maintain public confidence in the regulatory framework. The controversy which surrounded the development of cloning techniques and the necessary legislative changes are described.
Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the significance of these three decades of scientific and clinical developments and the problems inevitably associated with regulating or prohibiting scientific activity both in the UK and internationally. It is concluded that scientific endeavour may circumvent regulation and that regulation can ultimately only divert and obstruct but not prevent the advance of science.
University of Southampton
2006
Levy, Jean Elizabeth
(2006)
Controlling the course of scientific advance : the case of human embryology.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
The regulation of scientific advance, and of any subsequent developments in clinical practice, is analysed with particular reference to embryo research and the new techniques of assisted reproduction, which have been available both in the UK and internationally during the last thirty years. The extent to which science and clinical professionals and public opinion have influenced the evolution of the current regulatory framework in the UK is considered.
Firstly, the events leading up to the birth of the first IVF baby, the political response and the recourse to public inquiry are described. The deliberations and recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry, against a background of further developments in embryo research and obstetrics are then considered. This is followed by an in depth analysis of the embryo debate during the 1980s, the concurrent scientific and clinical advances, the public and political responses, the increasing and essential involvement in reproductive scientists and clinicians in the debate, and the final emergence in 1990 of facilitative legislation and a Statutory Licensing Authority.
Secondly, the success of this statutory authority is considered as it has continued to interpret the requirements of the Embryology Act, satisfy the demands of both the scientific and clinical professions, advise Government over new developments, reassure and accommodate patients, and maintain public confidence in the regulatory framework. The controversy which surrounded the development of cloning techniques and the necessary legislative changes are described.
Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the significance of these three decades of scientific and clinical developments and the problems inevitably associated with regulating or prohibiting scientific activity both in the UK and internationally. It is concluded that scientific endeavour may circumvent regulation and that regulation can ultimately only divert and obstruct but not prevent the advance of science.
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Published date: 2006
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Local EPrints ID: 466103
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/466103
PURE UUID: e56c2f39-5a53-4900-b2dd-de7169808f6c
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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 04:21
Last modified: 05 Jul 2022 04:21
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Author:
Jean Elizabeth Levy
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