The Hard Cell: Stemming The Flow Of Research
The Age
Tuesday June 20, 2006
THE continuing ban on therapeutic cloning, which is expected to be endorsed by federal cabinet, throws into light once again the complexities of a subject that pits morality against science. Last December, a committee chaired by former Federal Court judge John Lockhart, QC, who has since died, called for the ban to be lifted. Justice Lockhart had recommended that the Government's ban on human cloning continue, but that therapeutic cloning, in which embryonic stem cells are cloned for research purposes, be allowed.
If Cabinet affirms the present arrangement, allowing for limited stem cell research, only spare IVF embryos will be able to be used.Therapeutic cloning, which is legal in Britain, Singapore, South Korea and Japan, is useful in research for diseases such as motor neurone disease, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries. Researchers and the states had lobbied for a freeing-up of stem cell research, and cabinet itself is divided into a range of opinion on the issue - between those who are uneasy with letting embryos be created for the harvesting of stem cells, and those who want reform. In January, The Age argued that if Australia were to allow cloned embryos to be created it was important that the process be monitored and reviewed. We were cautious in our support for the change on the basis that the research promised much. It appears now that research in this country will not be quickened. We note, however, that Senator Natasha Stott Despoja has said she may pursue a private member's bill to pursue some of the Lockhart committee's recommendations. The emotive nature of stem cell research draws passionate responses from people, yet it must be hoped that any compromises are aimed at helping those most in need.
© 2006 The Age