2008 News
- News Archive
Bioethics Professor in the News
Professor David Jones, Professor of Bioethics at St Mary’s has been in the news this week:
On Saturday 18th October he had a letter published in The Times co-signed by 100 professors, doctors and other healthcare professionals: ‘Legal protection for a life before birth’
He also chaired an ad hoc committee comprising a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, a professor of nursing, a professor of bioethics, a consultant obstetrician and member of the RCOG ethics committee, a GP and member of the RCGP ethics committee and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, and a consultant neonatologist and member of the GMC. They wrote a 40 page report on ‘Amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill’. It was sent to all 645 MPs.
This was mentioned in The Observer on Sunday 19th October: Gaby Hinsliff ‘MPs give up battle to restrict abortions’
He was also quoted in The Sunday Telegraph: Laura Donnelly ‘Human tissue could be taken from the infirm without their consent and used for research’
On Monday 20th October he was interviewed on the Today programme.
And in the closing seconds of the debate on Wednesday, he was quoted by the very last person to speak:
22nd October: Column 411
6.59 pm
Mr Cash: Professor Jones of St Mary’s University College sums it up by saying that there is no doubt that if one overarching principle of contemporary medical ethics still trumps all others, it is personal autonomy. We have been denied the opportunity to debate the question of consent in the context of licensing, and it is deeply regrettable—
It being Seven o’clock, Mr. Speaker, put the Question pursuant to Order [this day].
Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third time:—
The House divided: Ayes 355, Noes 129.
