On April 12, British Deaf people are marching against Clause 14 (4) (9) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. The clause says that a British couple undergoing IVF *must* discard any deaf embryos, and instead choose a hearing embryo for implantation .

This is problematic for the Deaf community for two reasons: First, it takes away a Deaf couple's right (indeed, any person's right) to raise a Deaf child if they choose to use IVF technology. They view this as discriminatory and in violation of their reproductive rights. Second, and more globally, it opens the door to other frightening embryonic selection practices, such as selection against blacks, gays, or other racial, linguistic, or cultural minorities.

Oddly, IMO, high-ranking British newspapers are spinning this as the Deaf community's desire to have "designer" deaf babies. One might expect them to see the broader implications and take up the cause...but ignorance apparently has the day.

Boalt Hall student group

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nice resource....

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