HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 c518
Mr. Michael Hancock (Portsmouth, South)

I beg to ask leave to present a petition signed by 1,154 constituents of Portsmouth, South entitled Petition for the Protection of the Human Embryo". The petitioners affirm their belief that the newly fertilised human embryo is a real, living individual human being. They oppose all … practices … which discriminate against the embryo and violate his/her human dignity end right to life. The petition continues: Wherefore your Petitioners pray that the House of Commons will take immediate action to enact legislation which forbids any procedure that involves purchase or sale of human embryos, the discarding of human embryos … And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc.

To lie upon the Table.