Government News Index
PM to finalise stem cell stance
AAP
27mar02
THE Federal Government is leaning towards approving the use of spare IVF embryos for stem cell research ahead of a meeting with state ministers next week.
Prime Minister John Howard is finalising his position on the controversial issue, which will include consulting church leaders, according to his deputy John Anderson.
Mr Howard's office would not comment on the matter but Mr Anderson confirmed the prime minister was still making up his mind.
"He still has some consultations he wants to undertake, specifically with church leaders amongst others, before he finalises the view that he'll take forward," Mr Anderson said.
Attorney-General Daryl Williams also indicated the party room view was tending to favour embryonic stem cell research.
"The preponderate view seems to be supporting the use of embryos in research in the party room," Mr Williams told ABC TV.
If the government supports embryonic stem cell research, it will be a major victory for scientists, who have warned a ban could lead to a brain drain from Australia.
But the position does not have support from all quarters.
Right to Life Australia president Margaret Tighe said it would be a gross abuse of human rights if stem cell research on human embryos was allowed to go ahead.
The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart said human embryos were more than just ordinary cells, they were also the beginning of human life.
"Just because someone is very young or unwanted or going to die soon anyway is no excuse for killing them, let alone cannibalising them for spare parts while still alive," Archbishop Hart said.
Cabinet was earlier believed to have thrown its support behind a submission from Ageing Minister Kevin Andrews urging a ban on using spare IVF embryos for research.
Embryonic stem cells can grow into any type of body tissue and are seen as vital for finding cures for debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.