Cloning research involving the use of human embryos has received a major boost following new recommendations from scientists who advise the British government.
If adopted, the changes recommended by two specialist committees would open up the possibility of embryonic studies similar to those announced in the US only a few weeks ago in which human embryonic cells were cultured.
These cells could in theory be used to produce duplicate organs, skin and other tissues.
The recommendations were made in a joint report by a working group, comprising members of the Human Genetics Advisory Commission (HGAC) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which licenses Britain's fertility clinics.
The two organisations were invited last January to advise the British government on the legal aspects of cloning.
The Cloning Working Group called for a ban on cloning for reproductive purposes but urged that studies which could lead to organ replacements should be permitted.
It will be seen as a major advance for researchers involved in the advanced genetic technologies, but was immediately criticised by pro-life groups. "This recommendation amounts to the promotion of a new form of technological cannibalism in which the victims are real living members of the human race," Mr Peter Garrett, director of the British pro-life charity LIFE said.
The Cloning Working Group is unequivocal on reproductive cloning and urges that the existing UK ban, imposed in 1990, be left in place.
But it also states that cloning techniques applied to embryos could be helpful in treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. "Embryos may help us to culture cells so we could begin to think of treatments for different diseases that have so far escaped us," Sir Colin Campbell, chairman of the HGAC said yesterday.
The recommended research into therapeutic cloning would involve using very young human embryos, said Ms Ruth Deech, chairwoman of the HFEA.
"The use of stem cells in particular could have a large number of potential applications and the HFEA is in contact with the Department of Health about the implications of this work," she said.
Britain has allowed a limited amount of research on human embryos under the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. This permits research on embryos up to 14 days old but does not allow research into the development of replacement tissues.
