THE article by Ray Campbell (CL 22/1/06) has served to alert us all to an apparent attempt by Mr Beattie to bypass the legislative process in order to allow carte blanche in Queensland what can be done with human embryos.
Mr Beattie continues to repeat the same tired line that persuaded many politicians in the first round of debate in 2002 that “we simply don’t know … which types of stem cells can unlock the best cures”.
This is despite the Lockhart Committee itself admitting that nothing of significance had come from embryonic stem cells over the last three years, and Professor Trounson admittting that any cures would be prohibitively expensive.
It would seem that the most probable proposed but undisclosed use is for testing of various chemicals and drugs to explore their effect upon embryonic human beings.
It is time that both individuals and state members of parliament who are opposed to this abuse of power be vocal in insisting on a proper debate in parliament.
Even though the Western Australian Government was initially in favour of cloning, it has agreed that there is no change either from a scientific or moral view in the position adopted three years ago when cloning was universally rejected.
If Mr Beattie hopes to avoid the issue by getting a closed deal in the COAG (Council of Australian Governments) meeting, he should be made to justify it before our parliament.
DR DONNA PURCELL
President
Queensland Right to Life
Toowoomba, Qld
