Wellcome Trust backs key aspects of embryo research Bill
28 March 2008
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990) is being amended by the Government to reform the regulation of human embryology, bring it up to date with scientific developments in the field, and enable the UK to remain at the forefront of stem cell research. The new Bill covers the regulatory framework for the creation, storage and use of embryos for infertility treatment, teaching and research.
The Wellcome Trust supports a number of research-related areas covered by the Bill. In particular, the Trust is backing the need for the creation of 'human admixed embryos', which will help to overcome the shortage of donated human eggs - one of the major barriers to embryonic stem cell research. Stem cell research offers unique potential to provide cures for debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. The proposed new legislation will allow this research to advance within a robust regulatory environment which carries public confidence and support.
Importantly, the Bill includes appropriate safeguards to ensure research is regulated in a responsible and appropriate way: the implantation of 'human admixed embryos' in a woman or animal is clearly prohibited, and research on 'human admixed embryos' will only be allowed for up to 14 days.
The Wellcome Trust is working with the Medical Research Council, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Royal Society to support aspects of the Bill as it passes through Parliament.
Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust comments:
"The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill builds on the safeguards already in place which regulate embryology research. This is an area of science that is critically important - both for treating infertility and for understanding, and potentially providing treatments for, a number of serious diseases. The Wellcome Trust will continue to work with parliamentarians and others to discuss the science behind the Bill and to explain why this Bill should be passed in order to enable medical research to advance, in a responsible way, at the rate we have enjoyed over the last 20 years."
Image: Human embryonic stem cells; Annie Cavanagh, Wellcome Images