The horror of the latest proposed research into cures for illnesses that plague the human race would, doubtless, be assuaged if such research was confined to adult stem cells, (Letters, 26 and 31).

Extension to human embryos encased in animal protein in order to enable such research to take place for a few days after which they will be destroyed, fills people with repugnance.

Others say embryos conceived during IVF treatment are to be discarded anyway in the normal course of events and are just a collection of cells thus arranged, a human foetus not even being capable of definition until after eight full weeks of embryonic growth.

Many say IVF treatment is wholly wrong as God designed life to be conceived in the right and proper receptacle, not a test-tube.

Whether churchmen and theologians or Govern- ment and scientists decide these contentious issues is decidedly moot.

But would Ron Hurrell's view be somewhat different if he was not an octogenarian in the advanced twilight of his years?

What if he was in his twenties, not his eighties, and suffering from an appalling condition like, say, multiple sclerosis which might benefit from such research?

Or if one of his grandchildren had such a condition that might otherwise be cured?

Would he see things from an entirely less religiously problematic viewpoint?

John Haran
Broadway West
Leigh