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European Parliament Backs New Human Tissue Law Tue December 16, 2003 10:40 AM ET BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Parliament voted through new rules on the medical use of human tissues and cells on Tuesday, which will block their sale for profit. But while the rules cover the donation of eggs, sperm and other tissue, they do not apply to blood or organ donations. Donors can claim expenses but not payment for the tissues they donate -- though it is up to national governments to decide the dividing line. Likewise, the use of stem cells harvested from human embryos will remain a matter for the bloc's 15 member states, after an amendment to ban it at EU level was heavily defeated. EU states differ widely in their attitude to the ethically controversial stem cell technology, which often uses material from aborted embryos. The new rules set minimum quality standards for donated tissues. Private and public users of donated tissues will also have to meet the same standards for the first time. They should receive quick approval from the EU's Council of Ministers as they match a compromise deal agreed last week with member states. Europe's biotechnology industry, a heavy user of donated tissue, welcomed the vote. "It's a first step for safer and higher quality treatment for patients," spokesman Erwan Gicquel from industry lobby EuropaBio said. SOURCE: Reuters http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=4001626 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn