The Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) has today submitted its recommendations to the independent committee reviewing the Australian legislation governing the use of human embryos in research. The ASCC’s submission makes a series of recommendations in support of the current regulatory framework and the ongoing requirement for Australian scientists to be able to apply for a licence to derive new human embryonic stem cells for use in research.
In summary the ASCC recommends that:
- The current national regulatory framework that oversees the responsible use of human embryos in Australian research continues without significant change.
- Australian scientists should continue to have the opportunity to generate new human embryonic stem cell lines in licensed research projects as access to these cells remains vital to Australian research.
- Research using human embryonic stem cells should continue to be regulated by the existing national guidelines that govern the ethical use of all human materials in research.
- Support should be provided to assist Australian researchers to access stem cell lines from Australia and overseas provided they have been created in conditions consistent with Australian regulations.
- Reproductive cloning should continue to be specifically banned in Australia.
Responsible research towards reducing human pain and suffering, with appropriate safeguards, must continue to remain an imperative in Australia. This Review is an opportunity for Australia to show global leadership and continue the period of legislative stability that has allowed Australian scientists to operate with confidence in this field.
The ASCC's full submission can be read
here or on the Legislation Review site at https://legislationreview.nhmrc.gov.au/public_submissions
For full details please see the Media Release below.
Downloads
Recommendations to the Review of the Legislation Governing the Use of Human Embryos in Research (207129)
Other Reports