efq
19-05-2008, 05:56 PM
MPs Allow "Frankenstein" Embryos
Updated:18:48, Monday May 19, 2008
MPs have voted to allow the creation of "frankenstein" embyros for research into tackling diseases.
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1581734.jpg Embryo testing
It is the first in a series of free votes on the most controversial aspects of the Human Fertility and Embryology Bill.
Gordon Brown had encouraged members of all parties to pass the measure and Tory leader David Cameron also voted in favour of "admix" embryos.
Scientists will now be allowed to insert the nuclei of human cells into animal eggs, creating hybrid embryos which grow for up to 14 days.
As a result, stem cells can be harvested and used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases - before the embryos are destroyed.
The technique is said to get around the current shortage of stem cells for research - largely due to a lack of availability of human eggs.
Critics of hybrids have branded them "Frankenstein science", saying it is obscene to combine human and animal genetics.
They also question the benefits, insisting other methods are more effective.
MPs have three further free votes: on the creation of "saviour siblings" whose genetic material could help sick relatives; giving lesbians equal rights to IVF treatment and on amendments to tighten abortion laws, by reducing the upper limit from 24 weeks to 22, 20 or even 16 weeks.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91211-1316410,00.html
Updated:18:48, Monday May 19, 2008
MPs have voted to allow the creation of "frankenstein" embyros for research into tackling diseases.
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1581734.jpg Embryo testing
It is the first in a series of free votes on the most controversial aspects of the Human Fertility and Embryology Bill.
Gordon Brown had encouraged members of all parties to pass the measure and Tory leader David Cameron also voted in favour of "admix" embryos.
Scientists will now be allowed to insert the nuclei of human cells into animal eggs, creating hybrid embryos which grow for up to 14 days.
As a result, stem cells can be harvested and used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases - before the embryos are destroyed.
The technique is said to get around the current shortage of stem cells for research - largely due to a lack of availability of human eggs.
Critics of hybrids have branded them "Frankenstein science", saying it is obscene to combine human and animal genetics.
They also question the benefits, insisting other methods are more effective.
MPs have three further free votes: on the creation of "saviour siblings" whose genetic material could help sick relatives; giving lesbians equal rights to IVF treatment and on amendments to tighten abortion laws, by reducing the upper limit from 24 weeks to 22, 20 or even 16 weeks.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91211-1316410,00.html