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ITN
MPs debate 'hybrid embryo' Bill
MPs debate 'hybrid embryo' Bill
A showdown over controversial human-animal embryo research is taking place in the House of Commons.Prime Minister Gordon Brown has praised "hybrid" techniques as an "inherently moral endeavour" and said they could save millions of lives.Mr Brown is urging MPs to help "ourselves and future generations" by passing the measures in a free vote.He supports scientists who want to insert the nuclei of human cells into animal eggs, creating hybrid embryos which are allowed to grow for up to 14 days.As a result stem cells can be harvested and used to create brain, skin, heart and other tissue for treating diseases - before the embryos are destroyed.The technique is said to get around the current shortage of stem cells for research - largely due to a lack of availability of human eggs.Critics have branded it "Frankenstein science", saying it is obscene to combine human and animal genetics.They also question the benefits, insisting other methods are more effective.The Human Fertility and Embryology Bill will also see free votes on amendments to tighten abortion laws, by reducing the upper limit from 24 weeks to 22, 20 or even 16 weeks.Mr Brown insisted Britain should not "turn our back" on vital scientific advances."I have deep respect for those who do not agree with some of the provisions in the Bill because of religious conviction," he said."But I believe that we owe it to ourselves and future generations to introduce these measures, and in particular, to give our unequivocal backing within the right framework of rules and standards, to stem cell research."
ITN | May 19, 2008
