topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2270.63 -0.42
DAX 6788.8 0.59
IBEX 30 8902.1 0.60
CAC 40 3424.71 0.43
FTSE 100 5895.47 0.33
AEX 325.12 -0.06
DJIA 12890.46 0.05
Nasdaq 2927.23 0.39
FTSE MIB 16653.83 -0.09
TSX Composite 12497.94 -0.18
ASX 4349.3 -0.18
Hang seng 21010.01 -0.04
Straits Times 2981.17 -0.03
ISEQ 20 503.71 0.33
You are here: Home News Dutch News Health minister asks hospital to wait

Dutch News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


04/06/2008Health minister asks hospital to wait

Objections by the Christian parties have forced the deputy health minister to ask the Maastricht hospital to withhold increasing embryo tests.

4 June 2008

THE NETHERLANDS - Dutch Deputy Health Minister Jet Bussemaker has asked Maastricht Academic Hospital not to increase the number of hereditary diseases that test-tube embryos can be tested for before the issue is decided by the government.

Bussemaker admits that the hospital does not need special permission to conduct the screening because it is permitted by law.

However, now that the two Christian parties in the coalition cabinet have voiced objections, she would prefer the hospital to wait until a political decision is forthcoming. Parliament is expected to hold an emergency debate on gene screening on Wednesday.

Today’s ADs front page reports that the doctors and patients are furious at politicians, especially the Christian Union for forcing the deputy health minister to withdraw permission to test for the BRCA gene.

AD quotes a CU spokesperson as saying, "it is a question of principles".

The paper also quotes the editor of the Dutch Medical Association's journal as saying, "my Bible still says that sparing people unnecessary suffering is a beneficent act".

NRC Handelsblad poses the question, 'is it better to prevent cancer or does every embryo have the right to life?' and publishes an article by a professor of gynaecology.

According to the professor, the BRCA gene doesn't cause breast cancer in 100 percent of its carriers but it does have a disastrous emotional and psychological effect on 100 percent of the carriers and their families.

The professor continues, "the position adopted by Christian politicians is a kick in the teeth for people suffering from hereditary diseases".

Last week the deputy health minister, who is a member of the Labour Party, wrote in a letter that the hospital had permission for the gene research. She was later forced to withdraw under pressure from the Christian Union.

[Radio Netherlands / Jacqueline Carver / Expatica]



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

KM partner can be treated as EU memeber in paying tuition fee?

Student Forum The Netherlands

Uni fees - questions

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Problem with Internet Provider

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

KM -> PR -> Citizenship

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Stopping Naturalisation Process

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.