In a letter dated 13/12/2018, this charity stated: ‘… one of the main reasons for embryo research in addition to fertility, is because embryos are a source of stem cells. Stem cells have unique properties and have the ability to turn into almost any cell in the body. This means they have enormous potential to advance medicine. However, embryos are not the only source of stem cells.

‘Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity supports the use of stem cells in  research as long as the research meets legal and ethical requirements…’

‘… we are also increasingly focusing on areas which are using new techniques to generate stem cells. This includes using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPCSs) – a type of stem cell that can be generated in the lab from cells such as those at the root of the hair or skin cells.’

Extracts from this charity’s ‘Position statement on the use of stem cells in research’, enclosed with the letter:

‘We recognise that there are important ethical issues concerning the use of human embryonic stem cells and that some supporters of the charity will hold moral objection to the use of human embryonic stem cells in research. The wishes of these donors will be fully respected in relation to any donations they make.

‘Most embryos used in UK stem cell research are embryos initially created for us in fertility treatment, but not used. These IVF embryos, if donated with the full consent of the parents, can be used for research. Licensed research can take place on embryo up to 14 days. Stem cells are isolated from the blastocyst much sooner than this – at 5-6 days.’ Member of the AMRC.