Why the Medical Research Council refused Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe support for research on human conception in 1971.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 1971, Cambridge physiologist Robert Edwards and Oldham gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe applied to the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) for long-term support for a programme of scientific and clinical 'Studies on Human Reproduction'. The MRC, then the major British funder of medical research, declined support on ethical grounds and maintained this policy throughout the 1970s. The work continued with private money, leading to the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 and transforming research in obstetrics, gynaecology and human embryology.

Methods

The MRC decision has been criticized, but the processes by which it was reached have yet to be explored. Here, we present an archive-based analysis of the MRC decision.

Results

We find evidence of initial support for Edw

SUBMITTER: Johnson MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2922998 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature