Foetuses targeted for abortion could be used to test controversial gene therapy, if a scientist in America gets the go-ahead.

Professor Anderson of the University of South California wants to find a cure for the fatal hereditary disorder, severe combined immune deficiency (SCID). And he only intends to carry out the tests on foetuses with the condition.

The ethics of science discussed on the Today programme

Also in development is treatment for another disease called alpha-thalassaemia.

But Dr Anderson himself sees the potential ethical problems of such tests - particularly if the aborted foetus survived.

He says " The parents and researchers will have this guilt that I'm not sure it's possible to emotionally prepare for."

So should science be going down this road at all?

Many people have grave doubts. Michael Wolks from the British Medical Association is just one.

He finds an experiment where the subject has no say and will not benefit "very difficult to accept".

Some people argue that such techniques could be used to "design" the human race.

And others take the religious view. They say that we are all created equal and should have more respect for the sanctity of life.

But the good reasons for carrying out such tests carry weight too. Scientists say that to find a way of preventing these disorders would benefit humanity.

Some people say that the experiments in this case could help prevent other fatal conditions - like cancer - in future.

And others say the foetuses would have died anyway - but the tests could give them a normal life.

What do you think?

Should we experiment on the unborn child?

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