Bibliograph

The embryo research debate, science and the politics of reproduction, Michael Mulkay

Type

Label

The embryo research debate, science and the politics of reproduction, Michael Mulkay

Language

eng

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The embryo research debate

Medium

electronic resource

Nature of contents

dictionaries

Oclc number

715169079

Responsibility statement

Michael Mulkay

Series statement

Cambridge cultural social studiesCambridge Social Sciences eBooks

Sub title

science and the politics of reproduction

Summary

Scientific research involving human embryos was a major topic of public debate in Britain during the 1980s. Despite strong support from the scientific community, embryo research was initially condemned by many ordinary people as well as by special interest groups, and came close to being banned by Act of Parliament. Michael Mulkay describes the dynamics of the parliamentary struggle over the future of embryo research, focusing on such issues as: the clash between the anti-abortion and pro-research lobbies; the tactics of the Government; political ideology; the media's role; the importance of gender; religion; the impact of science fiction; the lure of medical advance; and the difficulty of maintaining ethical control. He explains how the advocates of embryo research eventually triumphed, and ends with an examination of the cultural tensions which linger after the debate.--, Provided by publisher

Table Of Contents

Introduction -- The background to the debate -- The sequence of parliamentary debate -- Political parties and ministerial tactics -- The impact of the pro-research lobby -- Embryos in the news -- Women and men -- Science and religion -- The myth of Frankenstein -- Embryo research and the slippery slope -- Epilogue: 'intruders in the Fallopian tube' or 'a dream of perfect human reproduction'

Creator