Human Tissue Act quotes and endorsements

Quotes and endorsements relevant to the Human Tissue Act.

2006

Health Minister

Rosie Winterton, Health Minister, said: “The Human Tissue Act coming fully into force on 1 September is a huge milestone. The Human Tissue Authority has played a key role in bringing activities involving the use of human organs and tissues into a regulatory framework that builds on best practice, in many cases for the first time. I am sure that both professionals and the public will have confidence in the knowledge that these activities will be carried out in a system that promotes high professional standards and provides proper protection for the rights of individuals and families.”

David and Hazel Thewlis said: “The Human Tissue Act has provided a new foundation for the people of this country, and the Human Tissue Authority is working hard to provide codes of practice for those who implement the Act. Let us all remember that consent was the cornerstone of the Act, and this must colour all of the work of the Human Tissue Authority.”

David and Hazel Thewlis are representative of those affected by events at Alder Hey.

Michaela Willis, Chief Executive of the National Bereavement Partnership and Human Tissue Authority member, said: “As a member of the Human Tissue Authority and a bereaved mother, it is especially important to me to see the Human Tissue Act coming into force. The fundamental principal that underpins the Act is consent. Consent is such a simple word that means so much, especially to the bereaved. The Act came about after much public debate, and I truly believe that this has enabled better communication between the public and professionals. In turn this has enabled the Human Tissue Authority to develop a regulatory system that the public can have confidence in.”

Claire Rayner, former President of The Patients Association, said: “Anyone who has ever observed the misery caused by a wide range of chronic human diseases – such as Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes and many others – will surely agree that any research that can provide remedies or prevention for such ills has to be encouraged.
 
“The Human Tissue Act will among other things enable this important research to be carried out. So this alone deserves all the support that people can give it.”