Press Release

New policy position on human/animal hybrid embryos welcomed

05 September 2007

The new position of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) allowing the use of human/animal hybrid embryos in scientific research has been welcomed by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

Dr Belinda Cupid, Research Manager at the MND Association, said: “There is currently no cure for MND but allowing the use of hybrid and chimera embryos in scientific research may revolutionise the future treatment of this disease and other degenerative neurological conditions. The case for the use of human/animal hybrid embryos in stem cell research is compelling as it holds the potential to save lives. For the Association, this position by the HFEA is very encouraging.”

She continued: “This type of research raises a number of moral and ethical issues, so it was important that the HFEA considered the comments, opinions and concerns obtained from the public consultation when forming its policy.”