 |
 |
08/06/2001 14:34 - Science & Nature (SA) Aussies agree on cloning ban Canberra - Australian state and federal leaders on Friday committed their governments to uniform national laws to ban human cloning. "You've got a firm unconditional commitment from all of the jurisdictions to have uniform legislation that prohibits (human) cloning," Prime Minister John Howard told reporters after a morning meeting with the leaders of the eight state and territory governments. "That's a huge advance, a huge advance," he said. The leaders did not arrive at a firm position on the use of embryonic stem cell research, agreeing instead to consult with community and interest groups before making any final decisions, Howard said. However, Howard said the leaders agreed "to develop uniform approaches to stem cell research and related matters." The term cloning covers a range of medical and scientific possibilities and practices, ranging from the use of human embryonic stem cells for research to the replication of a whole person. Researchers believe stem cells taken from human embryos could be used to grow replacement tissues or even organs for transplantation. Some research has pointed to the possibility they could be used to treat diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimers. Howard said he believed any uniform approach would need to strike a balance between legitimate ethical concerns about the destruction of embryos, and the desire to harness the benefits of medical research. "It's a delicate balance. I don't presume to know the right balance myself," he said. There are already bans on cloning in three of Australia's six states and another two are considering draft legislation. However, all the legislation differs in its approach to stem cell research. Japan and several European countries, including the United Kingdom, have already banned human cloning while earlier this month Canada signalled its intention to introduce a similar ban. Australia is a signatory to the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, which states human cloning is not permitted because it is contrary to human dignity. The World Health Organisation has stated that "cloning for the replication of individuals is ethically unacceptable and contrary to human dignity and integrity." - Sapa-AP http://news.24.com/News24/Technology/Science_Nature/0,1113,2-13-46_1036469,00.html ********* ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn