The Australian Medical Association today called on the Government not to ban embryonic stem cell research in Australia.
AMA Federal Vice President and Chair of the AMA's Ethics Committee, Dr Trevor Mudge, said the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell research must outweigh other considerations.
"We understand the concerns of those who hold the belief that human life begins at fertilisation, but the AMA does not believe it would be ethical to deny research on stem cells," Dr Mudge said.
"How do you come to terms with denying a significant percentage of the population the chance for cure of their chronic diseases - because some take the view that all human life is equal even at the four-cell stage?
"While the potential for embryonic stem cell research has yet to be proven, we will not know unless we try," Dr Mudge said.
CONTACT: AMA Federal Vice President, Dr Trevor Mudge 0413 733 701
Sarah Bucknell, Public Affairs 02 6270 5471