Premier ‘confuses issue’ on embryos

Sydney
24 March 2002

‘Little Flower’ is almost here

Vinnies: Scrap penalties!

Family planning a viable choice

Premier ‘confuses issue’ on embryos

Fr Denis Madigan dies

Quilted testimony to a century of worship

Ecumenical Way of the Cross

CHOGM urged: Ease debt of poorer countries and save lives

You can sponsor a young seminarian

Carnivale Christi – festival returns

Marathon man

Workers have the right to a just wage, hearing told

Archbishop consults students on Pentecost speech

Wife, then widow – a mother called Sister

Play aids refugee centre

Caritas warns of poverty in Europe

Editorial: Inspiring Little Way

Letters: ... bossy ushers in flash uniforms

Conversation: All are called to God’s work - Sr Mary Ryan, RSJ, vocations ministry executive officer

Mixed feelings on relics

Mercy girls look to make a difference

Education: Choose career in science, students told

Art, dance, design, drama – HSC talent on display

Inspirations: Close encounter of a preferred kind

Premier ‘confuses issue’ on embryos

By Chris Hook

NSW Premier Bob Carr has confused the issue so far as embryonic stem-cell research is concerned, says ethicist Nick Tonti-Filippini.

Mr Carr has joined a number of scientists in sending a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Howard, warning him not to restrict such research.

The Federal Minister for Ageing, Kevin Andrews, has put a submission to Cabinet recommending a ban on stem-cell research on surplus IVF embryos.

Mr Andrews, a Catholic, chaired a two year bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into human cloning and stem-cell research – the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs cloning inquiry. Of 10 members, four opposed research on embryos.

Federal Cabinet has given in-principle support to the ban.

The issue will be raised at the Council of Australian Govern ments meeting next month.

Mr Carr says he will seek the support of other states at the meeting to ensure the research continues.

“Stem-cell research gives us hope of new treatments and cures for diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord injury, burns and cancer,” he said.

“If Prime Minister Howard moves to smother such research, we will set up rules in NSW and it will proceed in NSW.”

Dr Nick Tonti-Filippini said: “There is considerable confusion in Mr Carr’s approach.

“He does not understand that no therapies are likely to be developed. The issue here is research.

“There’s a compelling myth that seems to be widespread and fostered, or at least not corrected, in the public mind, that embryonic stem-cells from IVF eggs will lead to therapies.”

IVF embryos would be used for research only, he said.

The possibility of treatments for various conditions needed the cloning of embryos so cells would be compatible with the patient.

In another development, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Francis Carroll, has welcomed the support of the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, and 10 of his NSW colleagues, who have issued a statement calling for stem-cell research that does not destroy human embryos.

A South Australian bioethicist has warned of possible new ethical problems. Dr Greg Pike, of Southern Cross Bioethics Institute, says there is a risk of creating a market for human eggs as stem-cell researchers use increasing numbers of embryos, diminishing the supplies available to IVF programs.

“It’s very easy to create a supply line of surplus embryos,” he said. Stem-cell researchers would be tempted to pressure contacts at IVF facilities for embryos that might not be surplus, Dr Pike said.

“Remember that making more embryos has an impact on women and the number of eggs they’ll be asked to supply,” he added.

“Here we have the risk of a market being created for human eggs. But human products are not to be sold, it’s illegal.”