Informed consent for stem cell research in the public sector.
Asking progenitors of spare embryos to donate them for use in stem cell research presents a number of complex issues, especially given the general lack of regulation of fertility medicine and the lack of public consensus on the moral status of the embryo. Particular issues include the timing of the request for donation and whether both men and women must always give consent for the use of their embryos for research. If thoughtful attention is given to these matters, there need be no ethical impediment to requesting the use of spare embryos for stem cell research.
Davis
D S
DS
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, OH 44115, USA.
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011247:Pregnancy; D017150:Public Sector; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013234:Stem Cells; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*