Czech experts respond to British government's green light to embryo cloning
The British Cabinet's recommendation that scientists be allowed to use embryo cells in research to grow replacement body parts has met with huge interest among Czech experts. Olga Szantova has been following their reactions:
The recommendation, which still awaits the approval of the British Parliament, has already met with great interest in the Czech Republic. The Czech media have given the story blanket coverage, and Czech experts are backing the British decision. I asked Professor Jan Motlik, who heads the Czech Academy of Science's Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, how he sees the British decision. Profesor Motlik's views are in full accordance with those of other Czech experts. Dr. Jiri Forejt of the Academy of Science's Institute of Molecular Genetics stresses the significance of the experiments made possible by cloning in the treatment of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other diseases, including cancer. But practical application of the experiments will take some time, as the president of the Czech Doctors' Professional Organization, Dr. David Rath, points out. Nevertheless, all agree, the British Cabinet's decision is an important, and very welcome one.
