Public to be consulted over 'hybrid' embryos

The public are to be consulted over plans to create human-animal "hybrid" embryos before a final decision is made this year, the embyrology watchdog has said.

Scientists want to create the embryos for research into stem cells, but need permission from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which issues the necessary licences.

The HFEA had warned the scientists informally that it was unlikely to give permission, given that a White Paper published at the end of last year indicated the Government's disapproval of "hybrid" embryos. Read more