MPs vote today on whether or not to allow stem cell research using half-human, half-animal embryos to continue – but what do you think?

Scientists claim the hybrid embryos, which sees DNA from the nuclei of a human cell inserted into an animal egg that has had almost all of its genetic data removed, will help them understand and even cure serious diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimers.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and several medical charities have voiced their support for the research, saying it could save thousands of lives, but critics including the Catholic church argue mixing human and animal embryos together is immoral and goes against nature.

Are hybrid embryos the way forward or against the natural law? Vote in our poll below and have your say in our SpeakOut >>>

Sittingbourne MP Derek Wyatt has already said he will vote in favour of the bill.

He said: "I have had massive mail - about 60 per cent against and 40 per cent for the bill.

"Those against are on religious grounds and those supporting have family with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or cancer and they are seeking a solution for their children and grandchildren.

"I have been to a lot of discussions and debates and have done more on this than any other bill, and I have become clear in my own mind and I am comfortable with it."

He added: "I don't have dementia or Parkinson's in my family, but I know how hard it can be for people. Some of the letters I have received are very harrowing."

The reforms are part of the bill to update the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 in line with scientific advances, and MPs will vote on four major changes to the bill in the next two days.

MPs will vote today on hybrid embryos, and on so-called ‘saviour siblings’, which sees a child ‘created’ with a tissue match in order to save a sick brother or sister.

Tomorrow, members will be asked to vote on whether or not to give lesbian couples and single women equal access to IVF treatment, and reducing the upper limit for abortions from 24 weeks to as low as 20 weeks.