News,
A study investigating a vaccine against cervical cancer has raised hopes that it could be available within two years. The study involved 500 women aged between 16 and 23 from Brazil, America and Europe. The vaccine acts against the sexually transmitted virus Human Papilloma Virus and also protects against genital warts. Approximately 900 women die of cervical cancer in England every year. [The Telegraph, 7 April]
The moratorium on the use of IVF embryos for research purposes in Australia has ended. Some experts have welcomed the ending of the moratorium, saying that it will allow a continuing source of embryonic stem cells and supplies of embryos for studies into infertility and metabolism. The couple whose 'spare' IVF embryos produced Australia's first embryonic stem cell line expressed hope that other couples would donate their embryonic children to research. Mrs Schumacher, 35, said: "Why not learn something from them before they are flushed down the toilet?" [The Australian, 6 April] Dr John Fleming, a leading Australian bioethicist, commented: "There is now a distinct likelihood that embryos will be created in Australia for research purposes. The self-interest of scientists in wanting access to newly created embryos is both understandable and deplorable. While the Schumachers seem to be indifferent to the plight of their embryonic children, recent social research in Australia indicates that most Australians who have embryos in deep freeze do not share their inhuman and utilitarian attitude to their offspring."
800 people have gathered at a Catholic church in Florida for a Requiem Mass for Terri Schiavo, Lifenews.com reports. Fr Frank Pavone of Priests for Life urged those present to work to protect people like Terri who are at risk of euthanasia. He added: "As we commend both Terri and the Pope to the Lord, [we] are reminded of the equal value of every life, no matter how prominent or obscure, healthy or sick." [Lifenews.com, 5 April]
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