Britain's Parliament Backs Stem-Cell Research

By Joe Palca

Published December 31, 2002 at 12:00 AM EST

In the second of three reports, NPR's Joe Palca examines why Britain is eagerly pursuing embryonic stem-cell research, while the United States hesitates. Parliament has consistently supported Prime Minister Tony Blair's position that stem-cell research holds the key to cures for various diseases. There are far fewer religious and moralistic impediments in Britain, compared to the United States, where the Bush administration has reluctantly agreed to allow limited, privately-funded research to go forward.

Joe Palca

Joe Palca is a science correspondent for NPR. Since joining NPR in 1992, Palca has covered a range of science topics — everything from biomedical research to astronomy. He is currently focused on the eponymous series, "Joe's Big Idea." Stories in the series explore the minds and motivations of scientists and inventors. Palca is also the founder of NPR Scicommers – A science communication collective.

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