British scientists seek to create animal-human hybrid embryo
Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente

.- The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in Britain has begun a study to decide whether or not to allow the creation of “hybrid embryos” consisting of genetic material from human beings and animals.

Two teams of British scientists from King’s College in London and the University of Newcastle have requested permission from the HFEA to produce embryos that would 99.9% human and .1% animal.  The HFEA has said it will not issue a decision until it finishes its study.

Although the proposal has been rejected by scientists, associations for the infirm and even the Prime Minister, a report from the Parliamentary Science and Technology Select Committee argued that completely prohibiting the creation of hybrid embryos “"unacceptable and potentially harmful to UK science".

The report suggests the creation of hybrids from which stem cells could be harvested.  They would be allowed to develop for 14 days and then would be destroyed.  They would not be implanted in humans or animals.

Promoters of the experiment claim the hybrids would compensate for the lack of human embryos available for research.

The HFEA will meet in June with scientists to discuss the matter and will also conduct a survey of some 2000 individuals.

Josephine Quintavalle, director of Comment on Reproductive Ethics, criticized the committee for its "wholehearted enthusiasm for unrestricted research with little concern for the broader ethical considerations."

Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente
ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):
NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:
 
PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:
* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.
ADVERTISING
Place your ad here
Resources:
Columns:
News:
Documents:
Tools:
ACI Group:
ACI Prensa