Post by warriorwitch on May 17, 2007 7:52:15 GMT
I was just wondering what your thoughts were on this.
U-turn on hybrid embryos research
Press Assoc. - 1 hour 55 minutes agoA Government U-turn is expected on controversial plans to ban the creation of hybrid animal-human embryos.
(Advertisement)
The measure, outlined in a White Paper last December, was originally proposed as part of the new Human Tissues and Embryology Bill.
But a barrage of criticism from both scientists and MPs is likely to result in a shift of position when the draft bill is laid before Parliament. Health minister Caroline Flint, the bill's chief architect, has already hinted at a possible climbdown.
Two teams of British scientists have applied for permission to produce embryos that would be 99.9% human and 0.1% animal. The embryos, made using eggs from rabbits or cows and genetic material from human donors, would not be allowed to grow beyond the size of a pinhead.
But scientists say they could provide a plentiful source of stem cells for vital research into diseases and new treatments. The alternative is to use human eggs, usually left over from in-vitro fertilisation treatment, which are in very short supply.
The White Paper called for an immediate ban on hybrid embryos, while allowing for a review if circumstances changed.
Scientists, medical research charities and patient organisations strongly attacked the plan in letters to Prime Minister Tony Blair and The Times newspaper.
Last month MPs on the Science and Technology Select Committee published a highly critical report on the proposal, saying it was "unacceptable and potentially harmful to UK science".
Later Ms Flint issued a statement that suggested a softening approach, saying: "We all want to see this research enabled, with suitable regulatory control accompanied by broad public support."
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which regulates embryo research, is currently holding a public consultation debate on the ethics of hybrid animal-human embryos. A policy decision will be announced by the Authority in September. Meanwhile the applications from King's College London and the University of Newcastle are on hold.
U-turn on hybrid embryos research
Press Assoc. - 1 hour 55 minutes agoA Government U-turn is expected on controversial plans to ban the creation of hybrid animal-human embryos.
(Advertisement)
The measure, outlined in a White Paper last December, was originally proposed as part of the new Human Tissues and Embryology Bill.
But a barrage of criticism from both scientists and MPs is likely to result in a shift of position when the draft bill is laid before Parliament. Health minister Caroline Flint, the bill's chief architect, has already hinted at a possible climbdown.
Two teams of British scientists have applied for permission to produce embryos that would be 99.9% human and 0.1% animal. The embryos, made using eggs from rabbits or cows and genetic material from human donors, would not be allowed to grow beyond the size of a pinhead.
But scientists say they could provide a plentiful source of stem cells for vital research into diseases and new treatments. The alternative is to use human eggs, usually left over from in-vitro fertilisation treatment, which are in very short supply.
The White Paper called for an immediate ban on hybrid embryos, while allowing for a review if circumstances changed.
Scientists, medical research charities and patient organisations strongly attacked the plan in letters to Prime Minister Tony Blair and The Times newspaper.
Last month MPs on the Science and Technology Select Committee published a highly critical report on the proposal, saying it was "unacceptable and potentially harmful to UK science".
Later Ms Flint issued a statement that suggested a softening approach, saying: "We all want to see this research enabled, with suitable regulatory control accompanied by broad public support."
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which regulates embryo research, is currently holding a public consultation debate on the ethics of hybrid animal-human embryos. A policy decision will be announced by the Authority in September. Meanwhile the applications from King's College London and the University of Newcastle are on hold.
