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Spanish Stem Cell Battle
Regional and national health ministries fight over plans for embryonic cell bank
The Scientist - Monday, 27 October 2003

Spain Approves Embryonic Stem Cell Research.
Saturday, 26 July 2003

The predominantly Catholic Spain authorised the use of embryonic stem cells for research on Friday, but said only embryos left over from fertilisation treatment could be used, and only with the parents' consent. The new reform allows frozen embryos to be kept for the parents, given to another couple, or used for research.

Health Minister Ana Pastor told a news conference the law maintains that the purpose of embryos is a reproductive one but when it is proved that is not possible, then alternatives are possible.

She said it was a respectful solution, "because it gives couples the final word on the fate of the embryos that they currently have frozen, and it's an ethical solution because it doesn't permit the manipulation of embryos and, above all, it prevents people making profit from the use of stem cells."

Spain's Health Ministry estimates there are tens of thousands of frozen embryos in fertility clinics around the country.

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