Monday and Tuesday much of my time was taken up with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. I have been lobbied by all sides on the issues covered by the Bill –hybrid embryos, saviour siblings, IVF rules and abortion time limit reduction in particular.

I know how very much these issues matter to those who have written to me and because everyone is to be respected for their view – here is why I supported the Bill and voted against the amendments. I cannot please all those who contacted me – as they were on opposing sides. I represented all views to the Government and have written back to all who contacted me.

Briefly put – I believe in extending the boundaries of science as far as possible with appropriate safeguards – so I’m in favour of hybrid embryos to help scientific research, but with the very important safeguard that they can’t be kept longer than 14 days.

On saviour siblings (babies selected to provide genetic material for seriously ill relatives) – I believe they are the act of loving parents – both for the existing child with an illness – and for the child that is conceived to help.

On IVF treatment – I believe that having a loving, stable environment for children is important – but that we shouldn’t discriminate. Therefore I supported replacing the reference to the “need for a father” in considering fertility treatment with the “need for supportive parenting”. The issue is whether or not we have committed, loving couples who are willing and able to pass all the hurdles involved in fertility treatment, rather than whether they happen to be of the same sex or not. There are all sorts of issues around the quality of parenting in this country – but we need more supportive parenting, not less – and discriminating ends up therefore being both wrong but also self-defeating.

And lastly, I supported the 24 week limit on abortion staying as it is. No evidence was produced to say that ‘viability’ had been extended through scientific research. Therefore – for me – the 24 week limit remained appropriate.

I hope that both those who agree and those who disagree will understand that in issues such as these – we all have our own view – and the above are mine.