CANBERRA, August 19, 2002 (LSN.ca) - The centre-right Liberal-National coalition government's Research Involving Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill, now working its way through Parliament, outlaws the "collection" of a viable human embryo from a woman after fertilization.
Section 18 of the bill refers to removing the embryo from the uterus after fertilization has occurred—considered by ethically-challenged scientists as a prime source of embryos for experimentation. The bill would apply a maximum 10 year sentence for doing so, and gives courts the discretion to fine a doctor $66,000 and a corporation $330,000.
MPs and senators polled yesterday by The Weekend Australian newspaper expected the bill to pass the House of Representatives, but predicted a close vote in the Senate, where party numbers are more evenly split. Both leading parties are allowing a conscience vote.