UK backs human-animal embryo research
Pastor Dale Morgan
UK backs human-animal embryo research*
From correspondents in London
May 20, 2008 06:03am
Article from: Reuters
BRITAIN'S parliament today backed the creation of human-animal embryos
which some scientists say are vital to research cures for diseases but
critics argue pervert the course of nature.
The vote means Britain retains its status as a world leader in stem cell
research.
Human-animal embryo research is banned in some countries including
Australia, France, Germany and Italy.
Parliament defeated an amendment to ban inter-species research - in
which human DNA is injected into cells derived from animals - by 336 to
176 after hours of impassioned debate on ethics versus science.
The human fertilisation and embryology bill prohibits the transfer of
the embryos to a human or animal and says they cannot be used for
research beyond 14 days.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown supports the creation of human-animal or
"admixed" embryos but some Catholic members of his government oppose the
research.
"If we want to sustain stem cell research and bring new cures and
treatments to millions of people, I believe admixed embryos are
necessary," Mr Brown argued in a newspaper article.
Politicians were allowed to vote according to their conscience on this
aspect of the bill rather than along party lines.
The bill, which updates 1990 laws, is at committee stage when amendments
are tabled and will be subject to a final vote in coming weeks.
Two groups of British-based scientists have already been given
permission to create human-animal admixed embryos. The bill legalises
their research within set guidelines.
Some researchers say allowing admixed embryos would open more avenues as
they seek cures for conditions like motor neurone disease or Parkinson's.
They say their creation would help resolve a deficit of donated human
eggs, a barrier to embryonic stem cell research.
But other scientists and religious leaders say that creating
human-animal embryos is unethical, and using them for research is a
blind alley that won't cure disease. One Catholic cardinal called the
research "Frankenstein science".
Critics say alternatives such as cells from umbilical cord blood are
more promising for research and less ethically troubling.
David King, director of the campaign group Human Genetics Alert, said he
feared sufferers of Alzheimer's and other diseases were being offered
false hope.
"It is very sad that all these patient groups have been hyped up to
believe in this stuff. They are going to be very disappointed. It is
very unfair," he said.
Parliamentarians will vote later today on whether to allow the creation
of "saviour siblings" - babies born from embyros selected through
in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) because they are a tissue match for a
sibling with a genetic condition.
Supporters say this will help children who cannot find matching tissue
donors, but critics worry about the impact on children who have been
created for the sole purpose of improving a sibling's health,
particularly if the treatment fails.
The embryology debate will continue tomorrow when MPs will vote on moves
to end the need for IVF clinics to consider a child's need for a father.
This would ease restrictions on lesbian couples and single women but
opponents argue that a child needs a father.
Parliament will also vote tomorrow on Britain's abortion laws. Some
politicians are seeking to lower the 24-week time limit for abortions.
Mr Brown favours the status quo.