a debate is brewing in Europe over the creation of human embryos for stem-cell research. A report recently suggested that European Commission's ( ec ) approval to such practices would be a "premature' decision. The report was prepared by a 12-member European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies ( ece ). It was chaired by French high court judge Noelle Lenoir.

"The creation of embryos for the sole purpose of research raises serious concerns,' stated the report. It also describes the hopes of regenerative medicines as "still very speculative'.The report is being considered as very significant, as it comes at a time when both France and Britain are debating the controversial issue.