Some correspondence with my Member of Parliament:

Dear Mr. Bryden,

Thank you for your response. Bill C-13, the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, does have some problems with it. I am glad to see it prohibits cloning and the creation of chimeras and hybrids; however, I am dismayed that it allows the creation of embryos for the purpose of improving or providing instruction in assisted reproduction procedures (5.1.a). Furthermore, the Act allows for the destruction of human embryos (5.1.d; 10.3.d; and 16.3). Bill c-13 does not respect life. I trust you will do what you can to ensure that this Bill will respect, honour and dignify human life at all of its stages.

Sincerely Yours,

George van Popta
46 Sulphur Springs Road
Ancaster
----- Original Message -----
From: Bryden, John - M.P.
To: 'George van Popta'
Sent: Friday, February 07, 2003 2:14 PM
Subject: Health: Stem Cell Research (c13)


Dear Mr. van Popta,

Thank you for expressing your concern about Bill C-13. You have been misinformed, however, because it does not allow the killing of embryos: embryonic stem cells are only to be obtained as a result of other procedures that would lead to the cells been discarded anyway. If such cells can be used to save a life then morally surely they should be.

Yours sincerely,

John Bryden
MP, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot (ONT)


-----Original Message-----
From: George van Popta [mailto:george.vanpopta@sympatico.ca]
Sent: February 6, 2003 2:55 PM
To: Bryden, John - M.P.
Subject: Bill c-13

Dear Mr. Bryden,

My reading of Bill C-13 has left me very concerned. As I understand it, the bill will allow the "creation" of embryos for the purpose of experimentation and harvesting of stem cells. These embryos will then be disposed. Man has no business creating and disposing of life in such a way. I appeal to your Christian conscience and request you to vote against this bill.

Yours truly,

George van Popta
46 Sulphur Springs Road
Ancaster, ON L9G 1L8