Share

Ruling favours embryonic research

Britain's High Court has rejected an attempt by Christian campaigners to stop scientists from creating human-animal embryos for research.

Judge Linda Dobbs called the application "totally without merit." The Christian Legal Centre and another group challenged the creation of cytoplasmic hybrid embryos, in which a human cell's nucleus is inserted into an animal egg from which most of the DNA has been removed. The procedure lets scientists create embryos for research without using human eggs.

The groups said the technique was not authorised under Britain's 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. The judge said Tuesday the law predated hybrid embryo technology but ruled regulators had considered expert scientific advice when allowing the procedure. – (Sapa, December 2008)

Read more:
Human embryos cloned to make stem cells
Embryology bill debate heats up

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE