Table 2.

Chronology of development of embryonic stem cell therapy in the UK

1982	Concept of using cells from early human conceptuses therapeutically made explicit
1987	Therapeutic potential of cells from early conceptuses demonstrated in a laboratory context.
1998	Human Genetics Advisory Committee and Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority issued consultation paper entitled:
	Cloning issues in reproduction, science and medicine.
HM Government responded by asking Chief Medical Officer to set up an Expert Group to look at issue of therapeutic cloning.
2000	The CMO’s Expert Group recommended that therapeutic cloning, and hence stem cell research, should be permitted.
2000	Human Fertilization and Embryology (Research Purposes) Regulations 2000 – approved by the House of Commons.
2001	Human Fertilization and Embryology (Research Purposes) Regulations 2000 – approved by the House of Lords.