Ethics forum focal point

A Caroline Chisholm Centre for Health Ethics conference on May 24 will focus on human embryo research, manipulation and ethics.

The conference aims to provide information about human embryo research and the manipulation testing of IVF embryos for disease before implantation.

Issues relevant to public policy will be raised and discussed along with two views of the ethics of embryo research and manipulation.

The conference, at St Vincent’s Hospital, targets health department officials, bioethicists, health professionals, members of the informed public who are concerned about recent developments in human embryo research and cloning, school teachers, tertiary students, law makers, clergy and journalists.

Speakers will be Professor Alan Trounson, Dr Martin Pera and Dr David Cram from the Centre for Early Human Development at Monash University, Dr Paul Simmons from the Stem Cell Laboratory at Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Dame Margaret Guilfoyle from the Infertility Treatment Authority; Associate Professor Julian Savulescu from the Murdoch Institute and Dr Norman Ford SDB from the Caroline Chisholm Centre for Health Ethics.

The Caroline Chisholm Centre for Health Ethics engages in education and research in issues pertaining to health ethics and is funded by Catholic Healthcare Institutions in Victoria.

• For further information on the conference contact Margaret Casey on 9270 2681.