NSW: Australians approve of embryo research

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2001
NSW: Australians approve of embryo research

SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP - The majority of Australians approve of cloning an embryo from
a patient's own genetic material for use in therapy, a poll revealed today.

The approval was measured against a backdrop of recent controversy over cloned human embryos

An American company caused controversy worldwide when it confirmed it had developed
a number of human embryos through cloning.

A Bulletin-Morgan poll published today found 55 per cent of Australians would approve
of using a patient's own genetic material to clone an embryo to be used as a stem cell
source.

Stem cells can be grown into any kind of tissue in the body and are the basis for so-called
"therapeutic cloning" which is hoped will lead to advancements in treating a variety of
ailments, including Parkinson's disease and diabetes.

Thirty-two per cent of Australians disapproved of therapeutic cloning, while 13 per
cent were undecided.

The survey of 617 people over the age of 14 found 70 per cent of Australians believe
couples with excess embryos after infertility treatment should be able to donate them
to research.

Seventy (70) per cent also approved of extracting stem cells from such embryos to treat
disease and injury.

AAP rcg/arb/mjm/de

KEYWORD: EMBRYO RESEARCH

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