One of Australia’s most senior religious leaders has warned that he'd likely boycott a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University, while another is distancing himself from the stance, which has created a potential headache for the Morrison government.
Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies is concerned that scientists are using cell lines from an electively aborted fetus, a common practice in medical research.
“To use that tissue for science is reprehensible,” he told the ABC on Aug 25.
Davies said he would probably wait for a second vaccine if the first was from Oxford.
“But that would be a personal decision of mine and not a decision that I would bind anyone’s conscious with,” he said.
His views are shared by Catholic and Greek Orthodox leaders, who have written to the prime minister expressing their concerns.
However, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher is distancing himself from any suggestions of boycotting the potential vaccine.
“I have not, nor would I, call for Catholics to boycott the vaccine if it became available,” Fisher said. “I, for one, don’t think it would be unethical to use this vaccine if there is no alternative available.”
A spokesman for Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he respects the views of Australia’s religious communities and understands the issues being raised.
“The government is investing in research and technology that we hope will produce a range of vaccines that will be suitable for as many Australians as possible,” the spokesman told AAP. “Many vaccines in development do not contain these cell lines, including the UQ vaccine candidate which the government is already supporting with $5 million.
“The government will always follow the medical advice and will be encouraging as widespread use of the vaccine or vaccines as is possible.”
Questions have been raised about why the religious leaders have taken a strong public stance against the coronavirus vaccine and not other common drugs, which are developed in the same manner.
Cells derived from elective abortions have been used since the 1960s to manufacture vaccines against rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis A, and shingles. They have also been used to fight diseases including hemophilia, rheumatoid arthritis, and cystic fibrosis.
While deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth is aware of the churches’ concerns, he said there are strong ethical regulations surrounding the use of human cells.
“The reality for the vaccines is that they need cell cultures in order for us to grow them,” he told reporters. “Human cells are really important part of their development.”
The church leaders have sought assurances the vaccine wouldn’t be mandatory.
They also want a guarantee that no one would be pressured to prescribe, dispense, or consent to the use of it and that an “ethically uncontroversial alternative vaccine” would be made available.
