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REPORT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH
21 September 2001

The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the report of the parliamentary inquiry into scientific, ethical and regulatory aspects of human cloning and stem cell research.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has been considering the matters of human cloning and embryonic stem cell research since August 1999. What has come forward is a well-considered report that is a positive contribution to public discussion on these important matters.

Professor John White, the Academy's spokesperson for human stem cell research, said today that the Academy agrees with the Committee that there should be a national legislative ban on cloning for reproductive purposes.

Professor White went on to say that although cloning of human beings should be banned, it was very important that cloning techniques should not be legislated against. Application of cloning techniques could lead to significant new developments in the treatment of degenerative diseases.

'We must not shut the door on the possibility of cures for diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's', he said.

Professor White said: 'The report proposes a moratorium of three years on application of cloning techniques in humans. This should give adequate time for public discussion and development of a national approach for oversight of ethical and safety issues.'

He said: 'The Academy welcomes the majority opinion expressed in the report that critical research on embryos should be permitted, but only on embryos surplus to assisted fertility programs. Such research would be regulated by a national licensing body.'

Professor White said: 'There is a real urgency about progressing this emerging new area of research. This progress will depend on the Commonwealth, and presumably all the States and Territories, agreeing to the use of embryos surplus to IVF clinics and to the system of regulation proposed.'