Promising ethical COVID vaccine welcomed
Heath experts and faith leaders welcomed news that a promising COVID-19 vaccine secured by the Australian Government is free from any connection to a selective abortion.
Announcing data from preliminary findings, firms Pfizer and BioNTech said their vaccine can prevent more than 90 per cent of people from contracting the disease.
Helen Watt of the UK’s Anscombe Bioethics Centre has closely followed the development of the world’s leading vaccine candidates. She confirmed that the vaccine is foetal cell-free. “It makes no use of a foetal cell-line in the production process itself, and no use in the design,” she told media.
In addition, Pfizer said there have been no safety concerns raised about the 43,000 people from diverse backgrounds given the vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to supply 10 million doses last week.
“Everyone in our health and aged care community will welcome this news,” said chief executive officer of Catholic Health Australia Pat Garcia.
“We must ensure the vaccine is distributed safely and fairly and that the most vulnerable and those at the greatest risk are given priority,” Mr Garcia said.
“Our members will be greatly relieved that the development of this vaccine did not transgress Catholic ethical standards. This is really good news and we look forward to its roll out across the sector.”
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said he was “delighted” by Pfizer’s announcement. “I pray that the vaccine proves to be as safe and effective as it seems,” the archbishop said in a statement.
“It is particularly consoling that this vaccine was developed without using any cell-lines derived from an aborted child. It demonstrates that good science and sound ethics can go hand in hand.
“I call on our Commonwealth Government to obtain sufficient doses for the Australian population and for our smaller, poorer Pacific neighbours.”
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Dear Archbishop Christopher,
I read with great interest about the Covid-19 vaccination and that the Bioethicist has declared that it does not conflict with Catholic moral values. I read that it is by the company Pfizer. On googling the company Pfizer, it is clear that they have a very bad track record for releasing medications with expediency and compromising public health. They have been taken to court for this on many occasions. I don’t think Pfizer can be trusted and I for one will not be availing myself of the vaccine. I know this will place people in very precarious situations and “shaming” and other social ramifications would happen. Could you comment please Your Grace. God bless you.