European Parliament Backs New Human Tissue Law

[Murray Charters <mcharters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

European Parliament Backs New Human Tissue Law
Tue December 16, 2003 10:40 AM ET

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Parliament voted through new rules on the 
medical use of human tissues and cells on
Tuesday, which will block their sale for profit.

But while the rules cover the donation of eggs, sperm and other tissue, they do 
not apply to blood or organ donations.

Donors can claim expenses but not payment for the tissues they donate -- though 
it is up to national governments to
decide the dividing line.

Likewise, the use of stem cells harvested from human embryos will remain a 
matter for the bloc's 15 member states,
after an amendment to ban it at EU level was heavily defeated.

EU states differ widely in their attitude to the ethically controversial stem 
cell technology, which often uses
material from aborted embryos.

The new rules set minimum quality standards for donated tissues. Private and 
public users of donated tissues will also
have to meet the same standards for the first time.

They should receive quick approval from the EU's Council of Ministers as they 
match a compromise deal agreed last week
with member states.

Europe's biotechnology industry, a heavy user of donated tissue, welcomed the 
vote.

"It's a first step for safer and higher quality treatment for patients," 
spokesman Erwan Gicquel from industry lobby
EuropaBio said.

SOURCE: Reuters


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