Embryonic Stem Cell Research in Australia and the Law!

WHAT IS EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH?

The principle of Embryonic Stem Cell Research may sound daunting, but its principle can be explained in fairly simple terms. An embryo is formed when a woman’s egg is fertilised. Five days after fertilisation, the embryo is a ball of cells less that 1/7th of a millimetre across. Inside this ball are the so-caller Embryonic Stem Cells that have the ability to develop into literally any of the more than 200 cell types in the body. (Davies, 2003:24) These cells are then harvested to perform research that has the potential to save lives. So, obviously, this research could be valuable for the future of the human race. And surely it is not against the law to save lives?

Senator Ian McDonald said before the senate that “…if there is any chance that stem cell research into some of the tragic disease and aliments that afflict humankind will lead to cures then that is an act

Obviously, Scientists are very keen to investigate the possibilities of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. However, they have found an alternative to Embryonic Stem Cell research- Adult Stem Cell Research.

Some scientists want it, others don’t. Human Rights groups don’t want it, neither do Politicians. But, what about the general Public:

The disadvantages are numerous. As stated above there is the question of ethics, the government and the law:

He also said “people find the prospect of reproductive cloning ‘horrifying” (Brownsword, 1998)

Some topics in this essay:
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