Hybrid Embryos Ok'd for Stem Cell Research in UK

The British Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) approved in principle the use of human-animal hybrids in stem cell research. The controversial decision came September 5, 2007 with mixed reactions polarized between scientists and ethics advocates.

Stem cells have been touted to be the next frontier in medical research as these basic of cells in organisms can be cultured and transformed to produce specialized tissue cells. Already, adult stem cell research has found therapeutic applications in the treatment of leukemia and related bone/blood cancers. Applications for embryonic stem cell research remains elusive however due to a lack of good viable human embryos for experimentation.

Human-animal embryo hybrids are made from combining human cells and animal eggs. From these hybrid embryo's scientists aim to extract stem cells to further their research into medical use. The recent HFEA decision requires a stringent application and monitoring process and also provides for the unconditional destruction of the used embryo in 14 days.

Religious groups and other ethics groups, have opposed embryonic stem cell research because, for one thing, the practice requires human embryos to be destroyed. Others are concerned that creating human-animal hybrids crosses the line of what is morally or ethically acceptable.