SECTIONS of the scientific community were pushing embryonic stem cell research for selfish reasons, Catholic Health Australia chief executive officer Francis Sullivan said.
Mr Sullivan was speaking after the release of a Federal Government commissioned report disputing the findings of the Lockhart Review, which called for a ban on therapeutic cloning to be overturned.
The new report found the Lockhart Review did not provide enough evidence on scientific developments since 2002 that would justify changes to the legislation.
Federal MPs are set to be given a conscience vote on the issue, which could allow scientists to create embryos to produce stem cells if the ban is lifted.
Mr Sullivan said some researchers were using emotions to claim they could help people with genetic disability.
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott said the Government had not paid for an opinion in an attempt to influence the stem cell debate, and was simply seeking the latest advice on the issue.
The report, commissioned by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, was already the subject of a freedom of information request and the Government decided to make it public, he said.
