Australian Minister - Scientists Hoodwinking Public on Stem Cells

Federal minister Eric Abetz has attacked the states for blocking John Howard's attempt to extend the three-year moratorium on the use of new stem cells.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research in Australia Gets the Green Light

Sydney, Australia: Prime Minister John Howard has abandoned an effort to extend restrictions on the scientific use of excess IVF embryos after finally failing to obtain state and territory consensus.[...]

As a result, the push to extend for another year a three-year moratorium is due to expire next month. This had raised fears among scientists that he may have been softening his previous solid support for embryo and stem cell research."

The Special Minister of State claimed some scientists were trying to hoodwink the public that embryos were essential for their research, when stem cells taken from adults were proving adequate.

The Prime Minister last week ditched plans to extend the moratorium after failing to get agreement from the states and territories. Embryos created after April 5, 2002 will now be able to be used for research.

Senator Abetz said he was disappointed at the attitude of the premiers and reaffirmed his opposition to embryonic stem cell research.

"Just last week further breakthroughs in adult stem cell research were announced," Senator Abetz said...


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