$46m grant for embryo research: PM attacked

Sydney
9 June 2002

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$46m grant for embryo research: PM attacked

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$46m grant for embryo research: PM attacked

The Federal Govern ment has come under attack for awarding $46 million to scientists for human embryo stem-cell research even before legislation has been debated in Parliament.

Bio-ethicist Dr Nick Tonti-Filippini greeted the news with “utter dismay”. He says the grant is “utterly preemptive” of political debate and shows “a contemptible attitude towards human life”.

Prime Minister John Howard awarded the five-year, multi-million dollar grant to the Monash University-based Centre for Stem Cells and Tissue Repair.

Dr Tonti-Filippini says the decision flies in the face of the Victorian Government’s current position, which is that it is illegal to destroy human embryos.

The Federal grant pre empts formal discussion in the Commonwealth Parlia ment, due to occur within the next few months.

Members within both major parties are opposed to embryo stem-cell research; Labor is allowing its MPs to take a conscience vote on legislation regulating research.

“The Prime Minister is treating the Commonwealth Parliament with contempt and treating the jurisdiction of the States with contempt,” said Dr Tonti-Filippini.

Unlike the controversial use of embryos, adult stem-cells are also suitable for medical research and can easily be obtained from tissue such as bone marrow.

Independent Tasmanian Senator Brian Harradine has expressed disappointment at the Federal Government’s decision. “The Prime Minister has acted on poor advice,” he said.