European lawmakers back new rules for stem cells

IRISH MEPs were caught between the Irish Bishops and the Irish Heart Foundation when they came to vote on rules for new medical treatments in the European Parliament.

The Irish parliamentarians were split in their vote, but almost all welcomed an outcome which, in fact, goes against the advice of the Irish Episcopal Commission.

The Catholic Church lobbied in favour of the parliament including ethical aspects in the legislation, but the majority of MEPs agreed that this was something each member state should decide for themselves.