Guide Note

Health Ministers in the United Kingdom have proposed legislation that would allow doctors and scientists to use human tissue to create embryonic stem cells without the consent of the donor.

This decision would allow stem cell research to be done using tissue donated up to 30 years ago.

Until now, Ministers have required laboratories to obtain consent from donors before their tissues can be used for stem cell research or cloning Research.

This has posed a challenge to researchers because many donors have either died or donated anonymously.

The amendment, an addition to the highly controversial Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill, is currently under debate.

Fast Facts

1. Amendment to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill
2. Would allow laboratories to use donated human tissue for embryonic stem cell research without obtaining explicit consent
3. Obtaining consent often difficult because donors have died or are anonymous