17/05/2007

Government backs plan on hybrid embryos

The government has agreed to allow the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos for research.

Ministers had originally proposed to ban the practice last year, but they have now agreed to allow the practice, following criticism from scientists that it would hinder medical breakthroughs.

The draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill will allow the embryos to be used for research into serious diseases and scientists will require a license to use the embryos.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint denied that the Bill represented a U-turn on the subject by the government.

Ms Flint said that recent discussions had brought more evidence to consider about using the embryos.

(KMcA/JM)


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