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Human cloning and stem cell research

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In 2006, a group of scientists, medical practitioners, lawyers, bioethicists, journalists and others met at Hinxton in England to discuss Stem Cell Research.  They came up with some challenging statements.  They encouraged researchers and the public to engage in discussion about the moral issues of stem cell research, and to come up with ethical, fair regulatory systems.  The group pointed out that international information sharing is fundamental to scientific progress, yet international co-workers can come under fire when undertaking research that is contrary to laws of another country.  They challenge societies that restrictions on research by regulators should be few, well-justified and flexible.  In return, scientists should proceed with ethical and scientific integrity.  Links to their full statement, and a short summary are included below.

Statement

By Royal Society CEO, Dr Steve Thompson (ceo@rsnz.org)

In 2002, the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand initiated a broad discussion on the question of human cloning and stem cell research. This discussion was carried out in fulfilment of our dual mandate to enhance public awareness of issues involving science and technology, and to provide informed advice on scientific and technological matters.

The Society commissioned a discussion paper from Professor Stewart Gilmour of Auckland University, and invited general comment on the paper (see below). The Society has also released this year a brochure designed for schools on the implications of stem cell research.

Following feedback, the Council of the Royal Society debated the issue at its November meeting and resolved to publish the statement below. The Society has written to the Prime Minister, appropriate Ministers and Members of Parliament to draw their attention to the recommendation that Government move quickly to introduce legislation to ban in New Zealand the implantation of any embryo whose genetic material has been derived from a human somatic cell (one with a full set of chromosomes). The Council also recommends that New Zealand's proposed legislation on artificial human reproduction should be worded to permit appropriate research on human embryonic stem cells by approved laboratories, subject to control by rigorous national ethical and practical guidelines.

The Royal Society (London) has useful information on cloning at http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/cloning/

Statement on human cloning and stem cell research

This statement should be read in conjunction with the discussion document, Embryonic stem cells and human therapeutic and reproductive cloning, by Professor Stewart Gilmour

The Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand believes that, quite apart from the serious ethical considerations that must be taken into account, there are strong and compelling scientific reasons for banning the cloning of human beings at this time. The Council urges Government to move quickly to introduce legislation to ban in New Zealand the implantation of any embryo whose genetic material has been derived from a human somatic cell.

The Council believes, however, that research directed towards the study of stem cells derived from human embryos up to the fourteenth day of development has great potential value for the development of tissue replacement therapy and the treatment of human disease.

The Council recommends that the proposed legislation on artificial human reproduction should be worded to permit appropriate research on human embryonic stem cells by approved laboratories, subject to control by rigorous national ethical and practical guidelines.

The Royal Society of New Zealand offers its assistance to Government in the preparation of a draft set of guidelines for discussion.

Injecting a nucleus from an adult cell into a de-nucleated egg from a cow.

© The Royal Society of New Zealand
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