Italians scuttle embryo law
Days after the European Patent Office announced the shelving of patent applications for embryonic stem (ES) cells until the EU agrees upon an ethical framework, the trend toward relaxation of national laws on embryo research came to an abrupt halt in Italy. Very low participation in the Italian referendum on assisted reproduction on June 12 and 13 means the most restrictive law in Europe remains in effect; thus forbidding, for example, the use of 'spare' embryos from in vitro fertilization for ES cell research. The proposed law changes would have removed the ban against ES cell research on imported stem cells, embryo freezing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Results, however, were invalidated as the majority (74%) of people stayed away from the ballot. After opinion polls showed they could not lean on public opinion for a no vote, Italian bishops led a vociferous campaign inviting Catholic citizens not to vote at all. Many elements contributed to the outcome that contrasts sharply with a similar referendum held in Switzerland. “One of the differences is that Swiss scientists stuck together in last year's successful ballot,” argues Elena Cattaneo, the head of a stem cell biology laboratory at the University of Milan. The bulk of Italian researchers campaigned for a yes vote, but few such as Angelo Vescovi championed the cause of adult stem cells in opposition to ES cells leading to the public perception that scientists are divided on the issue. AM
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