[extropy-chat] Australia Permits Limited Stem Cell Research

[Al Brooks]

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia will allow human embryos to
be used for some types of stem cell research after
Prime Minister John Howard's decision not to push for
extended restrictions on the use of IVF embryos.
 use of excess embryos for research in 2002 and while
Howard had originally pushed for a one-year extension
of the ban, he has now abandoned the idea, the
Australian newspaper reported Saturday. 
   
 Since then individual states, which largely supported
an end to the ban, have enacted uniform laws governing
the use of human embryos. 
   
 Now that the ban will not be extended, embryos
created after April 5, 2002, can be used for certain
types of stem cell research. However, it is illegal to
produce embryos just for research. 
   
 A spokeswoman for Victorian premier Steve Bracks said
Howard's decision was "a significant step forward in
the stem cell debate." 
   
 "We believe that we should use excess IVF (in vitro
fertilisation) embryos that would otherwise be flushed
down the sink," she said. 
   
 New South Wales state Minister for Medical Research
Frank Sartor said Howard's decision not to press for
the extension of the ban was an indication of the
nationwide support for stem cell research. 
   
 "There is a consensus. There was a conscience vote in
all parliaments. This was weighed up by everyone.
People of goodwill throughout the country and
two-thirds of parliamentarians pretty much voted for
this approach," he said. 
   


		
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