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The UK is updating its laws in the controversial area of embryo use in scientific research, in light of the significant scientific advances that have taken place in the past decade.  Of particular interest are the provisions relating to human-animal hybrid embryos.

Allowing hybrid embryos
In an important vote on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill earlier in the summer, a cross-party attempt to ban human-animal hybrid embryos was defeated.  The votes followed the news in April that scientists created part-human, part-animal embryos for the first time in Britain. 

The new legislation will therefore allow scientists to continue injecting human DNA into cows' eggs that have had virtually all their genetic material removed, as well as other hybrid embryo processes for stem cell research.
This clears the way for a solution to the shortage of human eggs available for research.  The stem cells harvested from the hybrid embryos will be used in the search for treatments to challenging conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Leading the field
The UK is one of the only countries in the world which has taken this step, retaining its position as a world leader in Biotech research.  Many other countries have banned the creation of such hybrids, limiting the possibilities for detailed research. 

In the US, although such experiments are currently legal if privately funded, the Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act was introduced for consideration in November with 18 co-sponsors, including the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain.  If enacted, this would amend the US federal criminal code to penalize anyone who creates or attempts to create an embryo with human and non-human tissue.

Background
The UK government has a proven track record in supporting scientific advances, particularly in the field of stem cell research.  The proposed legislation will update the provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 and the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985.

The vote took place on 19 and 20 May 2008 as a "free vote", also known as a conscience vote, as the issues involved were considered to be such that individual Members of Parliament should vote on conscience, rather than according to party lines.  Those in favour of the ban have pointed to religious, moral and even scientific grounds.  Those opposed to the ban pointed to the scientific progress and potential to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from serious diseases.

Andy James

 

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