Recently in the UK, the news about a bill that had parliamentary members'debating fundamental questions about the sanctity of life and the ethical merits of allowing scientists to experiment with human embryos' (Guardian, 12 May 2008) captured both public and media attention. It was seen as a controversial and divisive issue, leaders from religious, scientific and other key communities took a public stand either for or against the bill. But science and ethics are not necessarily at opposite ends of such arguments, and it is rarely a simple a matter of deciding which side you are on.