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EUROPE: MEPs Divided By Stem Cell Controversy Published: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 13:36:24 GMT+01 Emily Smith The sensitive issue of EU funding for scientific research using stem cells from human embryos will face a knife-edge vote in the European Parliament on Tuesday. Germany and Italy are putting up the most resistance to the proposal, unwilling to see money from the EU budget being used for research that is banned on home turf. MEPs are split over the controversial idea of a cut off date, intended to discourage the deliberate production of embryos for research. The European Commission wanted a date of June 27 2003, meaning that any embryos produced after this would not be available for research purposes. The parliament’s industry committee charged with overseeing the proposal overturned the idea, creating a deep rift between MEPs. The German Centre Right MEP who drafted the parliament’s report, Dr Peter Liese firmly supports the idea of a cut off date. However, supporters of stem cell research argue it has the potential to reap huge benefits in the fight against such conditions as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. David Bowe, from the left wing PSE group, argued that the cut-off would be counter-productive. “In the short term it would seriously restrict innovative research, and in the long term researchers will have to buy embryos for stem cells.” “This would in fact create an unethical market in the sale of stem cells.” Bowe maintained that a cut-off date “could wreck Liese’s positive intentions.” UK MEP, John Purvis countered strong objections from the Christian right by arguing that “stem cell research is perfectly right from a Christian point of view.” “It is about helping your neighbour,” he said. However, expressing the strength of feeling that exists on the issue, Ingo Friedrich, vice-President of the European Parliament, claimed this week that stem cell research was “ethically and morally unacceptable.” “It turns ideas of fundamental human values and rights to hollow words.” The proposal for stem cell research funding was released in July this year, amid much controversy. Spokesmen from the parliament’s major groups on Friday stopped short of predicting the outcome of the vote, commenting that enormous differences remained between MEPs along national, scientific and ethical lines. Published: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 13:36:24 GMT+01 Emily Smith SOURCE: EUpolitix, Belgium http://www.eupolitix.com/EN/News/3a7a1be8-7dda-4afe-8da3-dbe6d1460950.htm * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn