NEW DELHI, August 29, 2001 (LSN.ca) - Indian researchers plan to capitalize on U.S. President Bushâs funding restrictions on embryonic stem cells by moving ahead with their own projects. Two Indian research organizations possess colonies of embryonic stem cells, known as cell lines, which can develop into many other types of tissues to be used for various new medical procedures.
India is only beginning to formulate policies covering stem cell research and there are no legal guidelines currently in place. Scientists do not anticipate public disapproval of their work except from a minority of Hindus. "From the stage of embryonic stem cell, life starts," Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswat, 67, one of the five leading Hindu pontiffs in India, said in a written statement. "Abortion, artificial insemination or even test tube babies are sinful acts and are not acceptable."