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Spain gives approval to stem cell research, with conditions 2003-07-27 / Reuters / Predominantly Catholic Spain authorised the use of embryonic stem cells for research on Friday, but said only embryos left over from fertilisation treatment could be used, and only with the parents' consent. Stem cells are master cells which have the potential to grow into any cell or tissue and scientists say stem cell research could yield cures for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. But research is controversial and opposed by the Vatican and some mainly Catholic countries. Scientists can gather cells by creating embryos specifically for that purpose or using embryos left over from in vitro fertilisation fertility treatment. Adults also have the master cells but they are not as flexible as embryonic ones. Health Minister Ana Pastor told a news conference the law maintains that the purpose of embryos is a reproductive one but when it is proved that is not possible, then alternatives are possible. She said it was a respectful solution, "because it gives couples the final word on the fate of the embryos that they currently have frozen, and it's an ethical solution because it doesn't permit the manipulation of embryos and, above all, it prevents people making profit from the use of stem cells." The new reform allows frozen embryos to be kept for the parents, given to another couple, or used for research. Earlier this month the European Commission set out rules to regulate the use of embryos in EU-funded research, saying funding would only be given for research using embryos left over from fertility treatment. Spain's Health Ministry estimates there are tens of thousands of frozen embryos in fertility clinics around the country. SOURCE: Reuters / eTaiwan News, Taiwan http://www.etaiwannews.com/World/2003/07/27/1059275378.htm * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn