A CONCERNED mother whose son suffers from Muscular Dystrophy has spoken out on plans to poll the nation about embryo testing during IVF treatment.

Jane Field, who works at Droitwich Spa Osteopathic Clinic, has been looking after her son Murray for the past eight years since he was born with the illness.

She has also been a prominent campaigner for the disease in the town and has been instrumental in helping raise much-needed funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign through events and functions in Droitwich.

It has now been revealed that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) plans to poll the general public to gauge the level of support for testing embryos for diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis before they are used in IVF treatment.

HFEA is a non-departmental government body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics that provide IVF treatment.

Some people believe that embryos should not be tested because it is a case of wanting a designer baby and that it is unnatural and wrong to tamper with nature.

However, because of experiences with her son, Jane believes that it is only right to test embryos if it helps prevent children from developing awful diseases like Murray has.

She was recently asked to speak on national television for BBC Breakfast about her experiences and views on such tests.

Now, speaking to the Advertiser about the issue, Jane said: "My view is that it is wrong to poll the nation on the issue because they are not fully informed about the situation and the process. The results would be unfair.

"I am all for testing embryos before they are planted in the womb so that embryos that carry the recessive gene are not used. I think that if you can prevent a child being born with a disease then you should take it.

"The decision by the HFEA to hold a poll about the issue is wrong. It is only the people who have experienced the problem first hand that can give an honest and educated answer."

A spokesman from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, added: "Our role has been to try and get a consensus on the issue. The poll will include the opinion of not just the general public but of scientists and patients as well. We want to get a balanced view. We are just asking people their opinion."

The poll can be downloaded from the HFEA website at www.hfea.gov.uk and will close on January 16, 2006.