Australian Academy of Science warns against changes to human stem cell laws

Changes to the laws governing human stem cell research could put Australian science on the back foot internationally, the Australian Academy of Science has cautioned.

In a submission to the five-yearly review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002, the academy argued that the laws have served Australia well.

“The Acts prohibit human cloning and guarantee good quality ethical checks and balances when it comes to the creation and use of embryonic stem cells,” said Professor Bob Williamson, Secretary of Science Policy at the Australian Academy of Science.

“If these laws were changed, Australian research may be restricted and Australian scientists could be forced to move overseas to continue their work.

“Since the Acts were last amended, global clinical trials have started, testing embryonic stem cells for spinal injuries and eye diseases,” Professor Williamson continued. “This research is beginning to bear fruit.”

Extensive stem cell studies are being conducted in Australia and elsewhere, but it is not yet clear which type of stem cell will be most useful for each area of clinical practice.

“For this reason, it is vital that scientists continue to have access to embryonic, adult and other types of stem cells,” said Professor Williamson, a molecular genetics specialist.

“The current legislation works well. Under current arrangement, research can continue, but must first be stringently examined and approved by an independent ethics committee.”

The academy has recommended two minor changes to the way the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) administers the Acts: to allow for research into mitochondrial disorders, and to allow easier access to previously created stem cell cultures for new research.