Human Embryos for Research – it’s time to talk

24 July 2006

Should human embryos be used for research in New Zealand, and if so, where might these embryos come from and what might be the result of such research? 

These are some of the questions the government-appointed Bioethics Council is asking the public of New Zealand to consider.

The Council is today launching a booklet entitled “The Cultural, Ethical and Spiritual aspects of using Human Embryos for Research” which aims at encouraging discussion.  This will be followed by a web-based discussion forum on the Council’s website, www.bioethics.org.nz

“It’s a serious topic that involves everyone in New Zealand,” says Bioethics Acting Chair, Dr Martin Wilkinson.  “We are talking about using human embryos for research, which raises tremendously important issues.  We want people to think about these issues and we want people to have an opinion.”  

International research practices vary in their controls and limitations.  The current situation in New Zealand only allows research on non-viable embryos. One aspect of using embryos for research is the development of embryonic stem cell lines.  Currently, only adult stem cells are used for research in New Zealand. The Government is currently considering guidelines for the use of established (imported) human embryonic stem cell lines.

The web-based discussion on human embryos will run from 15 August to 30 September 2006 and on 25 September, ex-broadcaster Linda Clark is to chair a seminar entitled “Talking Embryos” in Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre.

Later in the year, the government Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART)  will be advising the Minister of Health on using human embryos for research.  Members of the public are encouraged to join the email discussion on the Bioethics Council website, and later to make a written submission to ACART  -  ENDS

For further information contact:

Dr Martin Wilkinson (Acting Chair), Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council
email:  m.wilkinson@auckland.ac.nz
phone: 09 373-7599 ext 88073 
Cell phone:  021 183 3028

Chappie Te Kani
Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council Secretariat
email:  chappie.tekani@mfe.govt.nz
phone:  04 439 7652 or 021 422 528