TV1 News

Human Cloning – Surgery Delayed – Christine Rankin – Peter Sinclair

HUMAN CLONING: Debate is raging between scientists and around the world after confirmation that Italian embryologist Severino Antinori will start human cloning within weeks. The scientist and his American partner were attacked as they unveiled their plans at a cloning conference in Washington. Dr Antinori was behind the world’s oldest mother, using pioneering reproductive technology. He’s no stranger to controversy, and is somewhat of an outcast among the scientific fraternity. Other scientist say human cloning is dangerous, unethical and irresponsible. The prospect of carbon-copy humans creates massive ethical issues. There is very limited regulation of human reproductive technology around the world – if Dr Antinori wants to do it there is nothing to stop him. There is a great likelihood of abnormalities in cloned babies.

SURGERY DELAYED: Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland has revealed they are cancelling all non-urgent surgery. Nurses are falling ill over winter, creating a major shortage, forcing the cancellation of surgery. There looks like being no relief until new graduates come on board next month.

CHRISTINE RANKIN: Accusations are flying that a deal had been done to silence Christine Rankin, after she said she wouldn’t appeal the Employment Court decision against her or sue for sexual harassment, and the Government announced they wouldn’t seek costs from her. National leader Jenny Shipley went on the offensive in Parliament, but the Prime Minister denied any hush money. Green Sue Bradford said Christine Rankin is being let off the hook lightly, and a double standard has been set, as the Work and Income Department doesn’t let beneficiaries off the hook so lightly.

PETER SINCLAIR: Accolades are pouring in tonight for broadcaster Peter Sinclair, who has died of leukemia aged 62.

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