Pioneering embryo research divides Commons

May 13 2008 The Journal

'Savior sibling' procedure saved my son

A FATHER whose son was a treated for a rare blood disorder with stem cells from a so-called "saviour sibling" has defended the procedure.

Speaking ahead of a debate on Government proposals to change the law on embryo use, Jayson Whitaker said new legislation should be introduced so families are not forced abroad for treatment. His son Charlie, now nine, was cured of Diamond Blackfan Anaemia after a successful transplant of cells from his perfect match brother Jamie.

But the family had to fly to the United States for the process for choosing healthy embryos – after being told they could not undergo the vital procedure in the UK.

Neither Mr Whitaker nor wife Michelle – who is from Chester-le-Street, County Durham – were a suitable match for Charlie, so a donor sibling for their son was chosen and after his birth in 2003, blood collected from Jamie’s umbilical cord was used for Charlie’s transplant.

Mr Whitaker said: "This legislation will allow people to make the same decision without forcing them to go abroad."