The Australian state of Queensland has introduced legislation that makes cloning a human embryo lawful. The 'Research Involving Human Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Amendment Bill 2007', which mirrors federal legislation and also that which was approved in Victoria and New South Wales, was passed by 44 votes to 38 in a rare conscience vote by MPs last week.
The bill permits human embryonic stem cell (ES) research using cloned embryos created by CNR (cell nucleus replacement). Opponents of the bill claimed, however, that the line was being drawn too far. 'In matters of conscience there are elements of degree, and there are aspects of this legislation that I can't, in conscience, support', said Deputy Premier of Queensland, Paul Lucas, speaking before the debate. Others were concerned over the future implications of permitting such research. 'We are now on the slippery slope towards legalisation of animal-human hybrids and financial inducements to women to donate their eggs for research at risk to their health,' warned Queensland's Right to Life's Alan Baker.
But it was the emphasis on potential health breakthroughs that won the day in a vote that proved not to be as close as previously anticipated. Anna Bligh, Queensland's Premier, afterwards expressed her support for permissive regulation of embryo research and therapeutic cloning. 'For Queensland to thrive as the Smart State and potentially discover cures for Parkinson's disease, motor neuron and other conditions, embryonic stem cell research must be allowed but only under tight national restrictions', she said. During the debate, many MPs spoke of their personal experiences of conditions that may be treated using stem cells. John-Paul Langboek told Parliament how motor neurone disease 'destroyed his family'. 'Knowing that the cures may be out there but remaining undiscovered is excruciating', he said.
The legislation will allow Queensland scientists to compete with other Australian states that have already approved embryo research. Melissa Little, of the Australia Stem Cell Centre, who runs a laboratory at the University of Queensland, outlined the therapeutic benefit of the research. 'We're looking at setting up some screening technology to use these cells to screen for toxins and drugs. But we're more therapeutically looking at using human embryonic stem cells to produce blood products - red blood cells, platelets and neutrophils,' she said. Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia have all passed legislation to permit scientists to use cloned embryos in stem cell research. Although the Federal Parliament has already passed laws to this effect, scientists were prevented from using research facilities in many states that ethically opposed using cloned embryos for research.
Sources and References
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Qld Parliament passes embryonic stem cell Bill
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Human embryo research may help leukaemia patients
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Stem cell vote divides Queensland MPs
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Queensland to allow embryo cloning
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