LONDON -BRITAIN'S PARLIAMENT yesterday backed the creation of human-animal embryos, which some scientists say are vital to cures for diseases but critics argue pervert the course of nature.
Human-animal embryo research is banned in some countries including Australia, France, Germany and Italy.
Parliament defeated an amendment to ban inter-species research - in which human DNA is injected into cells derived from animals - by 336 to 176 after hours of impassioned debate.
The human fertilisation and embryology Bill prohibits the transfer of the embryos to a human or animal and says they cannot be used for research beyond 14 days.
Prime minister Gordon Brown supports the creation of human-animal or "admixed" embryos but some Catholic members of his government oppose the research.
MPs were allowed to vote according to their conscience on this aspect of the Bill rather than along party lines.
The Bill, which updates 1990 laws, will be subject to a final vote in coming weeks.
Two groups of British-based scientists have already been given permission to create human-animal admixed embryos. The Bill legalises their research within set guidelines. - (Reuters)