This section shall describe the type of cells and culture concerned.

While I understand the argument that bona fide cloning experimentation may contribute to scientific advances which would alleviate human suffering, I must point out that there exists a loophole for the totally unacceptable usage of the human embryo at the stage of stem cells, cultures ‘out of their natural environment’.

At this point, I considered it should be progress that should alter its course. One of these alternative courses is now well known: it is a non-destructive alternative, as promising as embryo cell research but using adult cells.

We are not starting from scratch, thanks, partly, to the useful work of the European Ethics Group and the large number of instruments drawn up at Community and international levels, to the extent that, two weeks ago, Parliament was able to adopt by a large majority, cautious, common criteria on this subject on the occasion of the launch of the sixth research framework programme. This programme prioritises the research needed in this field, funding especially those projects dealing with adult stem cells and embryonic cells from abortions or so-called supernumerary embryos, produced for the purposes of in-vitro fertilisation and no longer ...[+++]usable for those purposes, to the extent that the laws of the Member States permit.

Although science shows that the use of adult stem cells renders the use of embryonic cells pointless, scientific thinking is determined to violate the ‘sanctity of life’ by promoting the exploitation of the human embryo.

At this point research has to demonstrate what is the real potential of stem cells, not just embryonal cells, but also those of other types.