Bioethics body may use survey findings to table report to Parliament
By
Tania Tan
While the idea of mixing human DNA with animals eggs is commonly opposed by religious groups, others say the work may hold the key to beating diseases such as Alzheimer's. -- ST FILE PHOTO
SINGAPOREANS are divided over the idea of allowing scientists to mix the genetic material of animals and humans, according to the latest findings of an ongoing public consultation.
The country's bioethics watchdog received responses from hundreds of researchers, academics and members of the public on the topic, which has been the subject of heated debates in other nations.
Currently, Singapore's laws do not ban or allow the research, seen by opponents as the first step on the slippery slope to creating animal-human hybrids.
Proponents, though, say it could lead to cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's.
The Bioethics Advisory Committee (BAC) plans to use the information from the survey to make recommendations to Parliament, which is looking to fill in the legal vacuum. If approved, Singapore could become one of the first few countries to allow the research.
'It's important that we take a clear stand on this, so that both the public and research community can be on the same page,' said the chairman of BAC's Human Embryo and Chimera Research Working Group, Professor Lee Eng Hin.
He was speaking at a scientific conference yesterday at the Biopolis, where 100 researchers and academics gathered to discuss the ethical implications of human-animal research.
Many medical advances have come from research on animals equipped with human cells, say experts. But the next step - mixing human DNA with animals eggs - has long been taboo.
While the idea is commonly opposed by religious groups, who call tinkering with the species divide unnatural, others say the work holds the key to beating diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer.
Institute of Medical Biology principal investigator Davor Solter said people commonly respond negatively to revolutionary technology.
'People always object to things that appear strange, but give this 20years and pssh...' said Professor Solter, giving a dismissive flick of his hand.
Both sides, though, agree on the need for transparent regulations to govern such research here.
The cloning of human-animal hybrids should be strictly prohibited, said researchers and members of the public.
BAC plans to table a report to Parliament some time next year.
Meanwhile, the committee is still gathering public views. It will hold a public forum tomorrow at 9.30am at the Matrix building at the Biopolis. To register, e-mail registration@bioethics-singapore.org
