Fetal Stem Cell Trial for Stroke Proposed

Scientists in the United Kingdom are applying to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority for permission to inject stem cells taken from aborted fetuses into the brains of patients who have suffered strokes.

According to Dr. Eric Miljan, Reneuron's head of stem cell discovery, when the foetal stem cells were injected into the brains of rats in which a stroke had been induced their movement recovered.

Tests showed that blood flow and brain activity were restored in the damaged area.

Dr Miljan said: "We're very excited. There have been a battery of tests. There have been a series of animal safety experiments. And they work.

"We feel that we are ready to go into patient trials."

Not everyone is as excited as Miljan. Not in a good way, anyway.

However, John Smeaton, director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, was completely opposed to the research.

He said: "It's a sick proposal. It involves cannibalising an unborn child.

"It's an unethical in every way - killing one member of the human race to help another. We are totally opposed to this."

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