Oxford MP Evan Harris was today introducing a special Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons to allow research on embryos to combat adult diseases, writes Evan Harris.
The city-trained doctor believes that such experiments within the first 14 days of an embryo's life could lead to major breakthroughs in the treatment degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, as well as tackling cancer and spinal injuries.
The Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrat accepts that the Bill will be controversial and is unlikely to become law, but hopes it will prompt the Government to legalise such 'stem cell research'.
He claimed the Government promised action on the issue in the summer but had as yet done nothing.
Dr Harris said the technique also known as therapeutic cloning could be vital in making major advances into a whole range of diseases, with Parkinson's at the top of the list. The Bill would amend the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act.
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