Fed: Labor happy with govt stem cell policy
CANBERRA, April 4 AAP - The federal government's apparent turnaround in favour of embryonicstem cell research was welcome, but the fine print must be examined, opposition sciencespokesman Kim Carr said today.
"This is life-giving research and technology, not life-denying as a few critics wouldhave it," Senator Carr said.
"It carries the potential to save millions of lives in the future and to alleviate suffering."
"I welcome the apparent turnaround on the stem cell research."
Prime Minister John Howard today wrote to state premiers proposing that the commonwealthand states allow surplus IVF embryos to be used for stem cell research.
Mr Howard said the use of embryos for stem cell research would be governed by carefullycrafted and important regulations.
He said all coalition members, including ministers, would be allowed a conscience vote,a position already taken by Labor.
Senator Carr said he was pleased the government had seen the light.
"We need a national, legislative framework to underpin this science and I'm pleasedthat the coalition has now seen the light and offered a conscience vote on the issue,"
Senator Carr said.
"We look forward to examining the detail of the prime minister's proposal.
"Like anything from John Howard, it pays to read the fine print."
AAP lm/daw/las/de
KEYWORD: STEMCELL LABOR
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