Australia announces conscience vote on mitochondrial donation
Appeared in BioNews 1082
The Australian Parliament is set to have its first vote on legislation permitting the use of mitochondrial donation.
A new bill proposes a two-stage approach, legalising the use of mitochondrial donation through an initial pilot site before permitting it in broader clinical practice. It has been confirmed by Australian prime minister Scott Morrison – who is 'very supportive' of the bill – that coalition MPs and senators will be allowed a 'free' vote on the legislation.
'There will be a free vote on this, and it's for each member to ultimately make up their mind,' Morrison told News.com.au. 'But I do hope we can go forward here where science allows us to do this. And as you know, I'm a person who has strong religious beliefs as well but it presents no difficulty for me on this issue.... And I think the compassionate thing to do here is to find a way where if we can avoid that horrific, horrific suffering then I believe we should.'