German scientists urge review of stem cell laws

BERLIN, Nov 11 (Reuters) German scientists has called on the government to change the country's laws on the production of stem cells to enable experts to keep up with global advances in research.

Genetic research is a sensitive subject in Germany due to Nazi experiments to create a master race and the country has strict laws on stem cell research.

Germany's influential DFG institute of scientists focused mainly on a decision by the German parliament in 2002 which controls the import of embryonic cells from pre-existing stem lines and bars their production in the country.

''The 2002 law means German scientists are largely denied access to new stem lines and unable to work in international projects,'' the institute said yesterday in a statement.

''It should be abolished.'' The DFG said new cell lines, available in foreign stem cell banks, allow research to take place at an international level.

''But German scientists are banned from using them.'' The institute said German researchers should be allowed access to newer stem cells produced overseas and that Germany should permit the introduction of cell lines for diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic purposes.

It also said researchers should not be threatened with punishment for breaking the rules.

The DFG, which reiterated its opposition to reproductive cloning, said it published its recommendations to stimulate debate in Germany.

German Research Minister Annette Schavan, however, rejected the demand.

''With the (2002) cut-off date we can be sure there is no pressure from Germany to destroy embryos,'' she said, adding, however, that she would look at lifting the threat of punishment for scientists working on international projects.

Many scientists argue that German researchers are losing out to counterparts in other countries such as Britain which allows therapeutic cloning, or the creation of embryos as a source of stem cells to cure diseases.

Some researchers hope that US embryonic stem cell research restrictions may ease after Democrats won control of Congress in this week's mid-term elections.

Stem cells can develop into different cell types such as blood, brain and bone. Researchers say they offer the potential to treat conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease and to regenerate damaged organs or tissue.

However, those who believe life begins at conception say the cells should be harvested from adults and not from embryos.

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