Lab to recruit stem cell donors
29/07/2006 17:49  - (SA)  

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London - A British research institute has been given permission to recruit women having fertility treatment to donate eggs for stem cell research and therapeutic cloning, said the nation's fertility watchdog this week.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said the institute would contribute to the cost of the women's treatment in exchange for their eggs.

"We have made an offer of a licence to Newcastle Fertility Centre at Life which, if the conditions are accepted by the research team, would allow them to carry out an 'egg-sharing' scheme," said Angela McNab, chief executive of the HFEA.

"Women who are already undergoing fertility treatment can donate some of their eggs for use in research in return for some of their treatment costs being met."

Therapeutic cloning involves creating early embryos to obtain stem cells - master cells in the body that can develop into any other cell type - to treat diseases.

At the moment, only spare embryos left over from fertility treatments are used in stem cell research.

Scientists have been concerned about a shortage of eggs for research.

Technique condemned by anti-abortion groups

Stem cell researchers hope the move will increase the supply of eggs and speed up work in therapeutic cloning.

The technique is condemned by anti-abortion groups because it involves removing the stem cells and destroying the embryo.

Professor Alison Murdoch, the director of the centre offered the licence, said: "We are extremely pleased with the HFEA's decision, which is a step forward for stem cell research and medicine generally."

The HFEA made the offer to the centre ahead a three-month consultation period beginning in September.

There has been some concern about how scientists will obtain eggs for research. There has also been fears that women could be pressured into donating eggs or that their health could be put at risk.

"We have made the offer on the understanding that the centre will provide regular information to the HFEA on its progress," said McNab.

"The Newcastle team are also aware that should new policy be made as a result of the public consultation, the licence committee are able to review the amendment to their licence."

- Reuters

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