Fed: Embryonic stem cell backers changing goalposts: Andrews
CANBERRA, Aug 27 AAP - Embryonic stem cell proponents were changing the goalposts ina disappointing move to garner support for research, Ageing Minister Kevin Andrews saidtoday.
Several government MPs today expressed outrage over revelations a video showing a ratapparently cured by embryonic stem cell treatment had in fact been healed by using germcells from a foetus five to nine weeks old.
Embryonic stem cell research proponent Alan Trounson had pointed to the video as evidencethat treatment using embryos had restored the functions of a crippled rat, said Mr Andrews,who has responsibility for guiding the bill through parliament.
"I was disappointed to read this morning that Professor Alan Trounson has misled membersof federal parliament and the Australian public about embryonic stem cell research," hesaid.
"He did this to argue that the federal parliament should allow destructive researchusing surplus in-vitro fertilisation embryos.
"In fact, it turns out that the stem cells used on the rats were adult stem cells takenfrom a five to nine-week-old foetus.
"There is nothing that currently precludes such cells being used for research in Australia.
"This is the latest example of embryonic stem cell proponents changing the scientificand ethical goalposts."
Federal parliament is debating laws that ban human cloning and allow research on embryonicstem cells.
MPs have a conscience vote on the legislation.
AAP kjp/daw/mg
KEYWORD: STEMCELL ANDREWS
No comments:
Post a Comment