----------------- ----------------- |  | | Last Updated: Wednesday, 15 December, 2004, 09:06 GMT |
Embryonic stem cell therapy: facts behind the fiction | | All the drama-documentaries in the IF series are based on rigorous journalism and research. Here are just some facts surrounding the issues of embryonic stem cell therapy. | IF... CLONING COULD CURE US BBC Two Thursday, 16 December, 2004 2100 GMT |
Human embryos were cloned for the first time ever in February this year. The work was done by scientists in South Korea.
- In August, a team at Newcastle University was granted a licence to clone human embryos for research purposes. Pro-life campaigners have applied for a judicial review of the decision.
- The team that cloned Dolly the Sheep has also applied for a research licence to clone human embryos to find a cure for motor neurone disease.
- The UN has shelved efforts to draft a treaty banning all forms of therapeutic and reproductive cloning. An earlier attempt to enact a ban failed by just one vote.
- Stem cell research was one of the hottest issues in the US elections. President George W Bush has limited the levels of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
- Supporters of embryonic stem cell research in the US include Nancy Reagan, Michael J Fox, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, and the late Christopher Reeve.
- Maverick scientist Dr Panos Zavos - the man who claimed he made a woman pregnant with a cloned embryo - plans to open a clinic in London. He will send women abroad for treatment that would be illegal in the UK.
- The first cloned cat was created this year - by Californian company Genetic Savings and Clone.
- UK law in this area is in the middle of a thorough overhaul. The House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee is due to make its recommendations early in the new year.
- At present, it is illegal to pay more than expenses for egg donation in the UK. But the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has started a public consultation on whether women should be paid up to �1,000 for egg donation.
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