UK decision fuels the European debate on cloning
Politicians in the United Kingdom voted to extend the nation's existing rules on embryo research yesterday in a House of Commons debate, described by observers as 'impassioned and well-informed'. A majority of 366 members of Parliament were in favour of the amendment compared to 174 against. The controversial decision will allow 'stem cells' - which have the special capacity to grow into a number of body tissues - to be taken from embryos very early in their development. Scientists believe the ability of these cells to grow into complete tissues could be used to help treat a number of debilitating diseases and even revolutionise organ transplantation. But many opponents to embryo research believe the potential to misuse the technology is too dangerous to condone any extension to current laws. The UK Prime Minister Tony Blair joined those in favour of the new legislation, led by the Labour MP Yvette Cooper. The research must be allowed to go ahead, she argued, as it could hold 'the key to healing within the human body...There are immense potential benefits from allowing this research to go ahead particularly for those suffering from dreadful chronic disease,' she told the House. But those voting 'No' believe the risks outweigh the potential benefits. Peter Garret from the UK anti-abortion charity 'Life' spoke out for people concerned about the possibility of scientists producing human clones: 'Once you have opened the flood gates in the production of human cloned embryos, you are setting up the preconditions for full pregnancy cloning,' he said. Members of the European Parliament in Brussels were also called on to consider stem cell research recently. They voted in favour of setting up a temporary committee to examine human genetics and related technologies in modern medicine on 13 December. The 36 members will examine the ethical, legal, economic and social issues related to new developments in the medical field. The European Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, welcomed the move by MEPS, which follows the European Group on Ethic's (EGE) publication of an opinion on stem cell research in November. Commissioner Busqiun refrained from commenting on the opinion at the time, because he wanted to underline the independence of the group from the Commission, according to a Commission spokesperson. However, Mr Busquin recently released details of the Commission's response to the EGE's recommendations for future Community funding of research in this area. According to Commission officials, the Community will continue to exercise a precautionary approach to stem cell research, as advised by the EGE. And the Commissioner plans to call for ethical reviews of all EU-funded research, currently required as projects commence, to be reinforced throughout projects' lifetimes. He will subsequently invite the Member States to carry out a similar approach. 'The consequences of life sciences will be more important than technology...We're doing what we can to put together a coherent view on life sciences,' a Commission official told CORDIS News. In recognition of this, the Commissioner established a Biotechnology coordinaiton committee on 21 November, this year. The Commission is adamant that Europe must have a balanced debate on this controversial research, added the Commission official. It is particular concerned that a total ban would result in the relocation of biotech companies to the USA: 'We don't want to be dependent on USA for technologies which are no longer controversial,' the official added. This means the next Community RTD framework programme will prioritise the application of plant, animal and human genetic research, he said. And in 2001 the EC's current Quality of Life and management of living resources programme will have a portion of its budget devoted to stem cell research with particular attention to ethical aspects. But as yet, no budget has been set. This will be revealed only after discussions between the Commission, the EGE and the high level group on life sciences have taken place. 'The [next] framework programme should reflect the opinion of the [European] Parliament and EGE and suspend all activities in therapeutic cloning in the Community programme until we have more information,' says the Commission, which is keeping a close eye on the UK debate.