Britain widens scope for stem cell research

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Yahoo news

LONDON – British plans to allow scientists to use hybrid animal-human embryos for stem cell research won final approval from lawmakers Wednesday in a sweeping overhaul of sensitive science laws. The House of Commons also clarified laws that allow the screening of embryos to produce babies with suitable bone marrow or other material for transplant to sick siblings.

It was the first review of embryo science in Britain in almost 20 years.

The legislators voted 355 to 129 to authorize the proposals after months of sometimes bitter debate that has pitted Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government and scientists against religious leaders, anti-abortion campaigners and others anxious about medical advances.

Brown says he believes scientists seeking to use mixed animal-human embryos for stem cell research into diseases such as Parkinson's will help improve — and save — millions of lives.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081022/ap_on_sc/eu_britain_embryos;_ylt=AsCJsKpWBOFFHHFMlPkhxBhvaA8F

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BBC link up now too :

MPs have backed the controversial Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill after a debate overshadowed by a row about the handling of abortion issues.

The bill promises the biggest shake-up of embryology laws for nearly 20 years.

MPs from all parties complained ministers had blocked debate on changes to abortion laws, describing their actions as "shabby" and "disgraceful".

But health minister Dawn Primarolo said issues of "profound importance" such as embryo research had been addressed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7682722.stm

[OhioChick]

1. K&R

:kick:

[Stellabella]

2. Godspeed to them.

Notice how medical research or this and also for a breakthrough in MS have come from Britain? The whole world is outperforming us in these areas, and it's only going to get more lopsided.