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A U S T R A L I A Wooldridge agrees to embryo use June 4th 2001 Steve Lewis The Federal Government is seeking the support of the States for a ground-breaking agreement to allow controversial biomedical research as part of a broad framework on human cloning. The Health Minister, Dr Michael Wooldridge, also believes the research will provide a boost to Australia's biotechnology sector which has failed to fire despite efforts from the Commonwealth and some States. Dr Wooldridge yesterday endorsed the use of human embryos in medical research ahead of a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments this Friday. The medical procedure, known as embryonic stem cell research, potentially involves some form of cloning activity and has been attacked by some medical ethicists and conservative church leaders. But Dr Wooldridge argues its potential to help find a cure for cancer and other serious diseases tilts the balance in favour of it being allowed in Australia. "It offers the prospect of a cure for some cancers that we can't adequately cure now," he said. The debate over human cloning is expected to dominate the COAG meeting in Canberra and may further test the Howard Government's already strained relationship with the Labor States. The COAG forum, to be attended by the Prime Minister, premiers and Territory leaders, will also discuss a national energy framework. Canberra wants the States to back further market reforms in the energy sector and will call for a national review of the electricity market. But while this issue may raise sensitivities with some States, it will pale into insignificance to the debate over human cloning. A Federal Government paper, prepared for COAG, calls for a ban on human reproductive cloning - a move also supported by Labor and the Australian Democrats. Seeking to embrace a firm moral position on the issue, the Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, last week called for a "total prohibition" on human cloning throughout Australia. Calling for the States to back his view, he said: "Important medical and ethical issues are involved. It is crucial that a uniform attitude within Australia be achieved if that is possible." Dr Wooldridge yesterday backed the Prime Minister's view on human cloning, but also supported a national framework on embryonic stem cell research. This area of biomedical research is considered crucial in developing cures for cancer and other serious illnesses. And despite concerns from church groups, some parliamentarians and sections of the community over the ethical nature of conducting this form of medical research, Dr Wooldridge said it was in the "public interest" for uniform legislation to be pursued. "When you explain to people the incredible benefits of [embryonic stem cell research] and people have a chance to work through the ethical issues around it, I think a majority of people would say there's a great public benefit here," Dr Wooldridge told Network Ten's Meet the Press. The Opposition Leader, Mr Kim Beazley, was not as certain of the benefits of stem cell research. "We are probably some considerable way from a full understanding of all the implications and we do need to develop that," he said on Saturday. http://afr.com/australia/2001/06/04/FFX13D3PHNC.html ********* ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn