The debate, however, was about the use of what was called “excess embryos”.
Declining to reveal the direct debate around the cabinet table, Vanstone described a “theoretical example” of how Andrews described what would happen to those excess embryos.
“The minister, who is in favor of a ban, might look a little pale, drop his gaze and say in a low, reverent voice ‘succumben’,” he said.
Former Liberal senator Amanda Vanstone said opponents of using surplus embryos for medical research had used “misleading” language. Credit: David Mariuz
Vanstone said in this instance, the prime minister sought some explanation of what was meant by the term “succumb”. One cabinet member, opposed to a ban, offered his own definition.
“It means they are taken out of the freezer, allowed to expire and disposed of as trash,” he said.
“He may be special rubbish, but no zygote is going to jump up, turn into a walking teenager, walk up to Pitt Street, shake hands and say, ‘Prime Minister, I’ve come out of the dump and here I am.’ . What you are looking here PM is research or rubbish,” he said.
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Howard’s own department raised concerns about Andrews’ proposal.
“The department believes that research and potential therapeutic applications involving the destruction of excess IVF embryos (embryos that would ultimately be destroyed independently) should continue to be permitted,” he said.
“This research has the potential to contribute significantly to advances in medical science in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.”
Both the science and industry departments also opposed the proposed ban. The science department said there would likely be broad community acceptance of the research, citing a 2001 opinion poll showing 72 percent public support.
In April, Howard had spoken to leading scientists about the problem. The Cabinet then decided, after Howard had spoken to several religious leaders, that it would not ban the use of surplus embryos.
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