MPs debate embryo stem cell research

Another debate on the use of early embryo cells for research into new disease treatments took place in the House of Commons last Friday. Health Minister Yvette Cooper said allowing such research on embryos up to 14 days old could prove to be the Holy Grail in finding a cure for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and spinal cord injuries.

Labour MP Fiona MacTaggart told the House that she was infertile and that she had multiple sclerosis. 'At the moment there are two fertilised embryos of mine in a medical facility, which are available for research'. She said it was ironic that the embryos could currently be used for research into her infertility but not her illness, about which she was more anxious.

A final debate will take place tomorrow afternoon, to be followed by a free vote at 7pm. The timing of the vote has been criticised, both by supporters of the proposed regulations and those who oppose them. Conservative MP Edward Leigh said last week that the issue should have been dealt with by primary legislation, and not pushed through in a 'rushed and chaotic way'. Liberal MP Dr Evan Harris also criticised the short notice of the vote, saying that patient organisations were not in a very strong position to lobby their MPs, unlike the well-organised pro-life groups. Alastair Kent, of the Genetic Interest Group, expressed concern about a vote held so close to the Christmas recess. 'There will be those MPs who won't bother turning up, leaving the way clear to those who are passionately opposed to embryonic stem cell research to carry the day' he told the Guardian newspaper.