Many people want to support charities which do not go against their pro-life values. This updated guide has been prepared to help you in deciding which charities you would like to support.
The Traffic Light Guide includes only the stated or known stance and activities of the charities listed. The following ranking system is used to score the charities:
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MPS Society
Green
The Group Chief Executive of this charity stated in a letter dated 25/2/2019: “The MPS Society is founded on the principles of supporting our patient community to live the lives they want… We support the development of new therapies and treatments to help improve the quality of our patients’ lives and we reflect the wishes of our patient community… the majority of our work is around advocating for the patient and their families.”
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MQ: Transforming Mental Health
Green
In a letter dated 28/2/2019 this charity stated: “MQ do not fund any research that uses embryonic stem cells. As such, we do not have a position or policy on that specific area of research.
“Furthermore, the research that we currently fund is not linked to reproductive services for women and girls and the same is true for the research that MQ funds in partnership with other organisations.
“The only research that we presently fund which is focussed specifically on women is that of Dr Bronwyn Graham. Her research suggests that psychological treatments in women may be more effective at different times of the menstrual cycle and, therefore, be affected by hormonal contraceptives.” -
Multiple Sclerosis Society
a.k.a. MS Society
Red
In a letter dated 11/12/2018, this charity stated: “Sometimes, it is necessary to conduct research using human embryos and human embryonic stem cells as long as it fits with our research priorities and has passed our internal review process.” [#AMRC#]
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Multiple Sclerosis Trust
a.k.a. MS Trust
Green
In a letter dated 10/12/2018 this charity stated: “The MS Trust does not fund research into cause and cure. We do not, therefore, fund any research that would use human embryos.”
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Multiple System Atrophy Trust
a.k.a. MSA Trust
Red
In a letter dated 8/4/2019, this charity pointed to their policy statements on assisted dying and stem cell research:
“The Multiple System Atrophy Trust takes a neutral stance on assisted dying. We exist to support people with MSA, their families and carers, irrespective of their views on this complex issue.
“The Trustees of the Multiple System Atrophy Trust recognise that the issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning give rise to serious ethical and moral questions. In principle, however, they are prepared to fund projects which may involve stem cell research provided it has been satisfactorily demonstrated to them that such research is legal and has both a sound scientific basis and the potential to lead to viable treatments and/or a cure for MSA.” https://www.msatrust.org.uk/policy-statements/ [#AMRC#] -
Muscular Dystrophy UK
Amber
In a letter dated 18/12/2018, this charity stated: “We recognise that using human embryos is an area that some people have concerns about. We are currently in the process of reviewing our formal policy and it will also be shared on our website.
“We co-fund research with a number of different organisations, including the Medical Research Council (MRC), National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and other charities. Some of these organisation have their own policies on supporting the use of research using human embryonic stem cells. … However, at this time we are not currently funding research of this nature, either on our own or in collaboration with other organisations.” [#AMRC#] -
myaware
Green
This charity stated in a letter dated 22/2/2019: “…myaware is currently not involved in funding any research studies which involve human embryo experimentation. We currently do not have any specific policies on this subject at present. However, all of myaware funded research projects are very carefully assessed and they are truly patient focused. They aim to improve diagnosis and management of myasthenia patients.”
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Myeloma UK
Amber
Myeloma is a blood cancer. In a letter dated 19/12/2018 this charity stated: “We do not currently have a policy on human embryo experimentation as we do not fund any research on human embryos…
“Myeloma UK support research across a network of research/university hospitals in the Myeloma UK Clinical Trials Network. We are aware that some of those sites may have been involved in prior use of human embryos for research purposes.” [#AMRC#] -
Narcolepsy UK
Green
In a letter dated 12/12/2018, this “very small charity” stated that is has “very little money”, and “certainly nothing we could utilise” to fund research involving human embryos.
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National Children’s Bureau (NCB)
Red
This is an umbrella umbrella organisation. At the time of writing, the following membership groups were part of the National Children’s Bureau:
- Anti-Bullying Alliance
- Childhood Bereavement Network
- Council for Disabled Children
- Lambeth Early Action Partnership
- Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum
- Sex Education Forum
- Schools’ Wellbeing Partnership
The Sex Education Forum is the leading organisation promoting anti-life, anti-family teaching in schools.
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National Deaf Children’s Society
Red
“It is not our role to express an opinion on the way society decides to make use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
“We support all families and deaf children/young people regardless of any choices they make around medical interventions and deafness. It is for families to own their experiences of deafness and no family or deaf child should be made to feel anything less than positive about the choices they make around deafness.
“We support the development of genetic diagnosis and services. The NHS should ensure that these developments are widely available and accessible to deaf children, young people and their families.
“Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis involves IVF techniques to produce embryos, but with the additional step a few cells are removed from each embryo and tested to see whether or not that embryo has inherited a particular gene or not. This allows selection of which embryos will be placed in the uterus. It is available for couples who have a chance of passing on a specific genetic condition.
“We acknowledge that some families with a history of deafness may wish to use this type of technology in planning their family.”
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/media/6394/medical-advancements-in-genetics-interventions-position-statement-20180324-ed-pac.pdf -
National Kidney Federation (NKF)
Red
In a letter dated 30/11/2018 NFK stated: “The NKF does not hold written policies on either Human Embryo Experimentation nor on Assisted Dying. This is primarily because NKF exists primarily to support kidney patients, to advocate for better treatments for them and to encourage organ transplantation.
“The NKF is pleased to hear the commitment today (4.10.2017) of the Prime Minister to introduce a system of ‘Presumed Consent’ in England.” https://www.kidney.org.uk/home/all-news-2/opt-out-organ-donation-system-to-be-introduced-in-england-/
Comment on SPUC’s position on presumed consent needed. -
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
Red
This charity provides the ChildLine service. SPUC Safe at School also has serious reservations about the Speak Out Stay Safe programme delivered in schools by this charity. For more information (insert link).
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Nerve Tumours UK
Green
In a letter dated 10/12/2018 this charity stated: “Given that it does not form part of our charitable purpose, Nerve Tumours UK does not have an explicit policy on research using human embryos. However, we can confirm that the charity does not fund or support organisations, which undertake research using human embryos.
“We have noted your letter, and the Board of trustees will consider whether or not this unofficial position should be made into policy.” -
Neuroblastoma UK
Unknown status
We do not currently have details for this charity.