X-Message-Number: 18688
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 20:58:09 -0800
From: Olaf Henny <>
Subject: Sanity in Stem Cell Legislation?
References: <>

It appears, there is finally some glimpse of sanity evolving
in the legislative frenzy bound to outlaw all manner of stem cell
research.

See below article scanned from a Vancouver paper

Best,
Olaf

Vancouver Sun, Saturday, March 2, 2002

Researchers allowed to use embryos from fertility clinics

Federal agency unveils ethical guidelines for funding of stem
cell research

  By NORMA GREENAWAY

 OTTAWA -- A federal agency has approved final ethical guidelines
for funding embryonic stem cell research, clearing the way for
dollars to start flowing to scientists within months.
   The guidelines, to be announced Monday, will allow researchers
to use surplus human embryos from fertility clinics in their
efforts to develop radical new medical treatments that depend on
embryonic stem cells.
   The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the federal agency
that funds $400 million a year in medical research, based its
guidelines on recommendations made last year by a IO-member panel
of experts it appointed.
   The panel recommended researchers be eligible for funding to
study stem cells from aborted fetuses and human embryos up to
14-days old that are surplus to the needs of couples at
infertility clinics.
   The decision to begin funding stem cell research has prompted
complaints from one Liberal MP and the Canadian Alliance that the
agency is pre-empting planned legislation governing assisted
human reproduction and related research, including stem cell
research.
    Liberal Paul Szabo is worried CIHR is usurping Parliament's
role to determine policy on the controversial research.
   "I'm concerned that Parliament is out of the loop," he said,
noting the Commons health committee is still waiting for
legislation on stem cell research and related issues from the
Chretien government.
   Committee chairwoman Bonnie Brown says the Canadian Alliance,
which opposes embryonic stem cell research, has registered
similar complaints but she does not share the concerns.
   "The process is unfolding as it should," she said, noting the
CIHR guides flow from the expert panel's recommendations and that
Parliament is doing its work.

   The agency's guidelines raised concerns by MP Paul Szabo that
Parliament's role is being usurped.

    "You have to have all these pieces of the puzzle chugging along
at the same time."
   CIHR spokesman Marcel Chartrand said the guidelines are
consistent with proposals made by the government and the health
committee. He added the CIHR will adjust the guidelines to match
any federal legislation adopted.
   Human stem cell research, particularly the use of embryonic stem
cells, is one of the most hotly debated areas of medical science.
   Embryonic stem cells are the "mother" cells that can develop
into any part of the human body. Scientists believe the adaptive
ability of these cells means they can be used to replace tissues
destroyed by spinal cord injuries, diabetes, heart disease,
muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease.

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