Dr Tamra Lysaght1
1University Of Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Dr Lysaght is Associate Professor at Sydney Health Ethics in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Her research interests lie broadly around the ethics, regulation and governance of emerging science and biomedical research. She has expertise in empirical bioethics and works on policy-relevant ethical issues surrounding stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genomics, precision medicine, reproductive technologies and data-intensive health technologies.
Abstract:
Emerging science in human embryo research and reprogramming technologies is challenging ethical and regulatory norms, internationally. Established over four decades ago, these norms have prevented scientists from developing human embryos beyond 14 days. In countries that have enforced the 14-day limit in national laws, the restriction may also apply to the creation and use of human embryo-like models (hELM) that closely resemble early blastocysts. Australia is one such jurisdiction with legal frameworks that regulate research with human embryos and hELM under license from the national regulator in the same way. Breaches of the national laws, which are mirrored in state legislation, carries criminal penalties with fines and imprisonment between five and fifteen.
In this paper, I forward an argument in favour of radically reforming, if not, repealing the Australian laws and replacing them with more adaptive forms of science governance. My argument is premised on the legislation being inflexible, unfit for purpose, and imposing costs and burdens on limited public resources that are disproportionate to the interests being protected. Instead, I advocate for more responsive forms of science governance that emphasises cooperation, persuasion and responsibility over punishment and sanctions with values of trust, participation, inclusion, and reflexivity.