Brussels, Belgium, Jul 24, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The European Union has decided that its six-year, $65-billion budget for scientific research and development will not directly fund embryonic stem-cell research.
Rather, EU science funds would be distributed to member nations, which would then decide if they wanted to fund embryonic stem-cell research in their own countries, reported LifeNews.com.
The compromise also says funding would only support research on existing embryonic stem cells or research conducted after the destruction of human life has taken place.
A coalition of nations, led by Germany, had been working to block funding for embryonic stem-cell research. However, Finland, which holds the EU presidency this year, proposed the compromise.
"We believe [this is] a constructive compromise. It takes into account the legal situation in every member state," said Slovenian minister Dusan Lesjak, according to the London Guardian.
Poland, Austria, Malta, Slovakia and Lithuania voted against the compromise, but Germany, Slovenia and Italy supported it. Britain, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Sweden supported the initial proposal of supporting embryonic stem-cell research with EU tax dollars.
Funding for stem cell research is a small part of the EU science budget, which does not fund human cloning or the genetic modification of humans, reported LifeNews.com.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA