Permission given to create human/animal hybrid embryos.

The United Kingdom's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has given permission "in principle" for scientists to create human/animal embryos for the purpose of medical stem-cell research in a September 5 ruling. "This is not a total green light for cytoplasmic hybrid research, but recognition that this area of research can, with caution and careful scrutiny be permitted," the HFEA said.

This HFEA permission entails using animal eggs (in this case bovine eggs) with genetic material removed and DNA from humans implanted in them, and resulting in a human/animal hybrid embryo known as a chimera, considered 99 percent human. The chimeras are grown in the lab for about two weeks until they mature enough to be used as a source of stem cells. The developmental manipulators justify this experimental degradation of human life with excuses and promises of cures for motor neuron diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and 70 other diseases. To date, not even one cure has been found for a single disease via embryonic stem-cell research.

The Catholic bishops in the UK publicly stated their opposition to "the creation of any embryo solely for research," and "believe all life begins at conception." They added, "At the very least, embryos with a preponderance of human genes should be assumed to be embryonic human beings, and be treated accordingly." Dr. David King of the watchdog group Human Genetics Alert wonders if it's another step toward producing genetically modified babies.

Gradualism achieves much these day. Is the next previously unthinkable enormity to be committed the fertilizing of human eggs with animal sperm?