Dutch MPs on Tuesday voted in favour of legislation which will lift the ban on the use of embryos specifically grown for scientific research to improve IVF treatment.

In total 90 parliamentarians voted for the proposal and 59 were against. The Christian Democrats were divided on the issue but most voted in favour of the motion, drawn up by D66 and the VVD.

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

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 new type of embryo research could also result in new insights into hereditary diseases and genetic abnormalities scientists say.

The legislation still has to be voted on in the upper house of parliament.