Why do scientists want to create human-animal hybrid embryos?
Experts believe embryo stem cells have enormous research potential as, unlike adult cells which are largely fixed, they can be manipulated to form a wide variety of tissues and organs. Because donating is a painful and potentially dangerous procedure, there is a shortage of human eggs so scientists hope to use animal eggs mixed with human nuclei to form embryos for research. Who objects – and on what grounds? The main objections are from people of religious faith, who complain these embryos are tantamount to “Frankenstein” science. Embryo research generally is frowned on by the Catholic Church and others who believe human life begins at conception. Inevitably, large numbers of embryos which are mainly human will end up being destroyed. Opponents also say that the research has resulted in few scientific advances. What happens now? There are two more controversial votes today on plans to scrap the requirement for a father for lesbian couples and single women seeking fertility treatment,
