The human pluripotent stem cell: impact on medicine and society.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the current state of the science surrounding human pluripotent stem cells and to show that the derivation of such cells from donated preimplantation human embryos should be eligible for federal funding provided that certain protections are met.


METHODS
A literature search focusing on the scientific aspects of pluripotent stem-cell research and analyses of current and past legislation and federal panel recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
The current federal laws regulating the permission necessary to obtain fetal tissue from elective pregnancy terminations are intended to insulate the decision to terminate a pregnancy from the potential positive influence of fetal tissue transplantation. A similar situation can be created for the derivation of cells from excess preimplantation human embryos produced by IVF programs. If, as in fetal tissue research, assurances can be made that the research will have no influence on the decision to dispose of the embryo, the derivation of pluripotent stem cells from embryo should proceed with federal funding.
Edwards
B E
BE
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Gearhart
J D
JD
Wallach
E E
EE
D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D006805:Human Experimentation; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013234:Stem Cells; D014481:United States; D014492:United States Public Health Service