WOODFORD GREEN: IDS hits out over embryology bill

4:18pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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A HEATED row has erupted in Redbridge over whether a new Government Bill dismisses the role of fathers in bringing up children.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill has spawned a vigorous debate across the borough, and there has been a huge response to the issue on the Guardian's letters page.

But this week Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith sparked further controversy by saying that part of the wording of the Bill "sends a powerful signal that fathers no longer matter".

Under a clause of the proposals dealing with couples wanting fertility treatment, staff in clinics will no longer have to consider the mother's relationship to the father when deciding whether or not to offer her in-vitro fertilisation treatment (IVF).

Mr Smith, who also leads the Fathers4Fathers' group, told Parliament: "We know of the difficulties of breakdown when fathers are absent. The guidance (in existing legislation) is there simply to remind everyone of the necessity and need where possible."

Pensioner Kate Hayes of Langley Drive in Wanstead, who plans to visit Parliament to lobby MPs for a re-think on the Bill, said: "I agree with Iain Duncan Smith.

"I taught for 40 years in the East End and children that don't have both male and female role models to look up to are at a disadvantage. They must learn how to behave."

But Wanstead father-of-two Justin McArdle said: "There are greater problems about parenting to worry over than being picky about this wording.

"Parents should be responsible no matter whether they are a gay couple or a heterosexual couple. I certainly think there should be careful consideration when deciding when to give IVF treatment."

Mr Duncan Smith's position has been slammed by gay rights groups, who argue that the Bill is necessary for lesbian couples to gain equality.

A spokesman for gay campaign group Stonewall said: "There is no credible evidence to support the suggestion that children of lesbian parents are at any disadvantage developmentally compared to others.

"Many same-sex couples already raise children in just such an environment, almost always with significant mindfulness of the importance of appropriate role models in or close to their family units. It is time that the law reflected this."

The second reading of the Bill on Monday night was passed by 340 to 78, and will now enter the committee stage for further discussions before a third vote.