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MEPs Kick Gene Research Into Touch
A huge kick in the teeth for those with relatives suffering from Alzheimers or Parkinsons disease amongst others... I've got plenty of gripes with the European Parliament but I didn't think having a stone-age attitude to vital genetic research that could help thousands if not more terminally ill people was one of them. Disgraceful.
European MPs have voted against allowing scientists to carry out research on embryonic stem cells.
The vote by members of the European Parliament (MEPs) could now see this type of research outlawed across the EU.
At present, it is legal in the UK but is banned in other member states, while others have no regulations at all.
MEPs will have to vote on the proposed new law again before it can come into effect. It also needs the support of individual member states.
However, if a majority of EU ministers back the proposal this type of research could come to an end in the UK.
Supporters of stem cell research say it could hold the key to cures for a wide range of serious diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But opponents say it is unethical and should be banned.
Under the proposals, cloning for human reproduction will be outlawed and research using embryonic stem cells will be restricted.
There would also be new rules on obtaining tissue samples. Critics say these would make research impractical or too expensive.
The vote by members of the European Parliament (MEPs) could now see this type of research outlawed across the EU.
At present, it is legal in the UK but is banned in other member states, while others have no regulations at all.
MEPs will have to vote on the proposed new law again before it can come into effect. It also needs the support of individual member states.
However, if a majority of EU ministers back the proposal this type of research could come to an end in the UK.
Supporters of stem cell research say it could hold the key to cures for a wide range of serious diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But opponents say it is unethical and should be banned.
Under the proposals, cloning for human reproduction will be outlawed and research using embryonic stem cells will be restricted.
There would also be new rules on obtaining tissue samples. Critics say these would make research impractical or too expensive.
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