A majority of MPs is likely to support a draft proposal to lift the ban on the use of embryos specifically grown for scientific research to improve IVF treatment but much will depend on the Christian Democrats, Wednesday’s debate on the subject has shown.

Currently, just 25% of IVF treatments are successful. Basic health insurance covers the first three attempts but any further tries are privately funded, costing thousands of euros. This type of embryo research could also result in new insights into hereditary diseases and genetic abnormalities.

Research is currently restricted to embryos left over from IVF treatment and is subject to strict conditions.

“This is about people’s dream of starting a family of their own. It doesn’t always work and with this proposal, medical science will be better able to help,” the NRC quoted Jan Paternotte (D66) as saying.

With the D66 win in the general election and the disappearance of the conservative NSC, the chances of getting the proposal through have improved significantly, although the support of the Christian Democratic CDA will still be crucial.

D66, GroenLinks-PvdA, and SP back the proposal, while Paternotte and VVD MP Harry Bevers who jointly initiated the proposal, can also count on the support of the PvdD and Volt, bringing the total to 74. To gain a majority, the support of a single CDA MP would be enough.

The Christian Democrats had already said they are not completely opposed to the use of lab-grown embryos, for instance, for research into hereditary illnesses or to improve IVF techniques.

But, they said, conditions must be in place to prevent “far-reaching controversial techniques”, including jail of up to two years for scientists who break the rules, an annual review of accepted and rejected research proposals, and a continued search for alternatives.

MPs will be voting on the amendments and motions put forward next Wednesday. The proposal proper will be voted on the week after.