Human-Animal Embryo Research Given the Green Light

Jessica F.
WAC News VA
June 13, 2008

The British government has agreed that scientists should be able to create and experiment with human-animal hybrids because it “would be a major blow to science” if they would not allow it.

However, last year a Government White Paper proposed to ban the technique following public backlash. Apparently, the consultation the backlash resulted in was “skewed by pro-life groups” so the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority carried out its own consultation. Once the “full research implications” of the hybrids were explained, the public was mostly “at ease.” Whether or not this “public” included any pro-life group or person, is hard to say.

The hybrids are created by removing most of the genetic material from a cow or rabbit egg and inserting human genetic material before applying an electric shock to start the process of cell division. The aim is to develop the hybrids up to 14 days before harvesting their stem cells. Allegedly, they have already been created in China.

The stem cells would be used to mimic human cells with neurological diseases so therapies could be developed. It has also been suggested that “basic research” using the stem cells be conducted.

The bill proposed would allow “hybrid cytoplasmic embryos created using cloning techniques.” It would not allow “true hybrids,” defined as a human or animal egg fertilized by animal or human sperm. A scrutiny committee said this measure ought to be removed.

Besides the unacceptable “yuk” factor, there is proof that genetically modified or engineered organisms, such as those we use as food, can be harmful and unstable. How reliable and stable these hybrid stem cells would be, then, is questionable. Even if the stem cells from the hybrids aren’t being used in the therapies, it is a disturbing precedent to set.