Researchers in Germany have called for a change in the regulations governing research on human embryo stem cells - cells that can grow into any type of tissue. Currently, German law permits research on human embryo stem cell lines produced commercially in other countries, but forbids scientists from creating their own cell lines.
The embryo protection regulations in Germany are among the strictest in the world, but many German scientists feel uneasy with what they see as a legal double standard. As it stands, the law allows Germany to benefit from stem cell research done in other countries while maintaining a 'moral superiority' by not doing such research itself, they claim.
The scientists were due to air their views at a public seminar in Berlin last week, organised by Wolf-Michael Catenhausen, social democrat secretary of state for federal research. But the health ministry, which is responsible for proposing any changes to the embryo protection law, is not expected to act during the remaining three years of the current legislative period.
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German researchers seek legal backing for stem cell work
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