The Unfunny Joke That is UK Biotech Regulation

The Brits like to brag that their approach to cloning is the most enlightened, that is, it allows new biotechnologies to proceed, but only under “strict” regulations. Except, I have yet to see any meaningful restrictions or strict regulations actually enacted or enforced. But it’s the thought that counts, right?

Now, the UK is about to allow cloned embryos to be manufactured from tissue lines without consent from the tissue donors. This means that embryonic virtual twins of these patients will be made and the patients have no right to approve or disapprove. Why? Because that’s what the scientists want and that is the only thing that matters. From the story:

As regular readers of SHS know, this routine is always the same: First the scientists want to cross an ethical boundary line. The regulators say, “Okay, but with some restrictions.” The scientists howl, claiming that the proposed minor limitations will “hamper science, thwart cures, and put the UK behind other countries in the race for biotechnology billions.” The regulators quickly and meekly say, “Oh, that’s different then. By all means, do what you want.”

And the media pretends this Kabuki dance amounts to strict oversite. Like I said: What a pathetic joke.