91997E4224

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4224/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) and Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (21 January 1998)

Subject: Genetic modifications

On the contemporary scientific scene genetic research and its findings are among the most exciting achievements of the century.

Unfortunately the lack of regulation leads to irresponsible use of this scientific development, causing serious health and ethical problems which can no longer be ignored or underestimated. The first of these is the possibility of future genetic damage caused by couples who, unaware of their shared genetic heritage, may give birth to children with certain genetic abnormalities.

Does the Commission not consider:

1. that it would be useful and appropriate to propose rules making strict health checks on donors of semen compulsory;

2. that it is essential to establish a maximum number of eggs to be fertilized by the same donor's semen, in order to limit the risks of inter-breeding between blood-relations?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (11 March 1998)

Recourse to legislation on the issues raised in the question is a matter for the Member States.

In the context of its research work into biomedical ethics, the Biomedicine and Health Research Programme (Biomed) has funded a series of seminars on the ethical aspects of the donation of gametes. The question of limiting the number of births per donor has been discussed in this context.

Codes of practice exist at national level in certain Member States and at the centres responsible for gamete donation, but the Community has no powers in this domain.