LONDON (AP) — Britain is considering whether to permit research using animal eggs to create human stem cells — a process that tests the ethical boundaries of cutting-edge scientific research.

The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority will rule Wednesday on whether to accept such research, which involves placing human DNA into cow or rabbit eggs that have had their genetic material removed. If the authority allows such research, each project will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Experts have warned that such research is critical to unlocking treatments for Alzheimer's and other genetic diseases. Scientists want to use animal eggs because the supply of human eggs is limited.

However, such research has raised ethical worries. The use of material from animals has caused some public concern, while right-to-life advocates fear that such research will lead ultimately to genetically modified babies — even though the research under consideration will allow the eggs to develop for only a few days.

Britain's government had earlier proposed outlawing the production of human stem cells from animal eggs, though former Prime Minister Tony Blair had said he was not necessarily flatly opposed to such research.

The authority is set to meet Wednesday to review a report filed earlier this week and make a decision.

''No good reasons for banning this research have been identified by the HFEA,'' said Evan Harris, a Liberal Democrat lawmaker in favor of the research. Without such opposition, the authority must now clear the way to grant permission to scientists to conduct research, he said.

Several scientists have submitted applications for a license to create human stem cells using animal eggs.

The research involves taking a cow or rabbit egg which no longer has its own DNA and injecting human genetic material. The egg is induced to divide, becoming a very early embryo from which stem cells could be extracted.