News

10th April 2003

Cloned cell transplants banned

The use of cloned cells and tissues in transplants will be banned following a vote in the European Parliament today.

MEPs voted on proposals to set quality and safety standards for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells. Contained in the proposals was an amendment to ban the use of cloned cells and tissues in transplants until further scientific advances are made.

John Bowis MEP, Conservative Health Spokesman in the European Parliament, said:

"It is clear that greater advances are needed before this young science is used on humans.

The experience of the Australian cloned sheep Matilda, which disintegrated, shows the enormous uncertainty and potential damage to human health of the use of cloned cells in transplants.

In general, these proposals are all about protecting human health. They were not intended to interfere with research into stem cells or trading rights of industry. While certain aspects of the proposals still need clarification, we now have a proposal that can be built upon to gain wide support and ensure the protection of human health."