Fed: Genetics poineer praises Howards stem cell approval

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Fed: Genetics poineer praises Howards stem cell approval

Genetics pioneer ALAN TROUNSON has welcomed today's announcement by Prime MinisterJOHN HOWARD, supporting stem cell research in Australia.

Mr HOWARD has written to state premiers proposing the Commonwealth and states allowsurplus IVF embryos to be used for stem cell research.

Professor TROUNSON has told ABC radio the support means a lot to all of the scientistsinvolved in the research.

Last week, the professor held talks on the issue with the prime minister, later sayinghe believed he and other scientists had persuaded Mr HOWARD towards supporting stem cellresearch.

Today Professor TROUNSON, from Monash University's Institute of Reproduction and Development,says he expects a proposed conscience vote in federal parliament to support the legislation.

And he says there'll be no argument with Mr HOWARD's stance that only existing embryosfrom IVF programs can be used for stem cell research.

AAP RTV db/gfr/tb/rp

KEYWORD: STEMCELL TROUNSON (MELBOURNE)