Two Inquiries Into Embryo Research

Two inquiries are currently underway which deal with the issues of reproductive technology, stem cells and embryo research. The first is a federal inquiry, put on by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). They have produced a consultation paper entitled "Ethical guidelines on the use of reproductive technology in clinical practice and research". The 49 page document can be downloaded from the Internet at the following web site address: www.nhmrc.gov.au/issues/pdfcover/repro.htm

Or, you can contact the NHMRC and ask for a copy to be sent to you. Their contact details are as follows:

Postal: Executive Secretary
Office of NHMRC (MDP 100)
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601

Phone: +61 2 6289 9184
Fax: +61 2 6289 9197

Email: exec.sec@nhmrc.gov.au

The submissions are due on Friday 28 March 2003. Submissions can be mailed or emailed to the above address.

A second submission is being called for by the Victorian Government. A draft code has been written by the Stem Cell Code of Practice Working Group. The document is entitled, "Draft Code of Ethical Practice for the Propagation and Use of Approved Human Stem Cell Lines". This document, also 49 pages, can be viewed and/or downloaded from this web site: www.health.vic.gov.au/biotechnology/stemcellcoep.htm

Or you can contact the Working Group and ask that a copy be sent to you. Contact details are as follows:

Project Officer - Stem Cell Working Group
Biotechnology Safety and Ethics Section
Department of Human Services
18/120 Spencer Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

Tel: 03 9637 4239
Fax: 03 9637 4246

email: donna.cohen@dhs.vic.gov.au

Submissions are due Friday 11 April 2003. They can be sent to the above address.

Please attempt to get copies of these documents and put in a submission, no matter how brief. Refer to past Updates and journals on the subject, or give us a call for pointers.

Family Update, March-April 2003, p. 8