SYDNEY, June 24, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Australian scientists at a Sydney fertility clinic have extracted stem cells from a “spare” human embryo. Dr. Robert Jansen, director of the project, claimed, despite the nearly total lack of success with embryonic stem cells in clinical applications, that “The potential of stem cell research is boundless.” The clinic has not had government support for its research and is looking to sell the stem cells to other researchers to recoup a $500,000 loss.
Legislation was passed in 2002 in Australia to allow research on embryos in frozen storage at IVF clinics. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council granted licences in April. Senator Brian Harradine criticized the decision as issuing “licences to kill”.
Sydney Morning Herald coverage: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/23/1087845012373.html?oneclick=true