Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91998E3707

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3707/98 by Hiltrud BREYER Human stem cells and tissue engineering** 
  
*Official Journal C 289 , 11/10/1999 P. 0074*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3707/98

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Human stem cells and tissue engineering

Recent reports state that US and British research institutions are involved in the cloning and redesign of "master" stem cells obtained from human embryos in order to produce body components.

1. Can the Council please confirm that no EU funds are being used, either directly or indirectly, in such research?

2. Will the Council also please indicate in which EU Member States such research is permitted and what legal and ethical controls exist?

Reply

(29 March 1999)

1. Under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research (1998-2002), the specific thematic programme "Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources" includes amongst the generic research activities the study of problems relating to medical ethics and bioethics in the context of respect for fundamental human values. It is stated in this respect that research activities under the programme must comply with the international conventions and codes of conduct and with relevant Community legislation. In particular, "no research activity which modifies or is intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings by alteration of germ cells or by acting at any other stage in embryonic development and which can make such alteration hereditary will be supported under the present Framework Programme."

2. The Council has no competence to overview the activities carried out by the Member States in this domain.

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