Eggs-for-IVF scheme: seven pregnant
(wz) Seven women who donated eggs as part of a world-first medical research programme are expecting babies.
The women donated eggs in return for cut-price in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at the Newcastle Fertility Centre.
The eggs are being used by the North East England Stem Cell Institute (Nesci) - a collaboration between Durham and Newcastle Universities - for pioneering research into stem cell therapies.
The egg-sharing programme has been condemned by groups opposed to stem cell research.
However, it has meant that scientists have access to a much larger pool of donated human eggs. This has given them an international advantage in the race to develop treatments for conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Alison Murdoch, who is leading the project at Nesci, said: “We’re delighted that this scheme has enabled so many couples to have a family from IVF treatment. Their choice to take part in the egg-sharing scheme means that important research is able to progress and we hope these successes will encourage other people to come forward.” more…
From: »The Press Association«