[Ethical questions of the human embryonic stem cells research].
With the "Guidelines for Derivation and Utilization of Human Embryonic Stem Cells" of September 2001, Japan has become one of few countries that officially permit the research on human ES cells. The decision to permit such research is based on a well balanced consideration between the advantages towards the new medicine and the disadvantages of destroying the embryo who has a potential of life. The main ethical concern is the respect for human dignity and human rights. The whole ethical consideration comes from this standpoint, and the Guidelines set out the conditions to be respected in each research project. Because of its potential for human life, the embryos for the derivation of human ES cells, for which only frozen supernumerary embryos may be used, should be treated with full respect of its dignity. The ES cells themselves should also be used with full respect accordingly. Obtaining informed consent from the donors with possibility of withdrawal is the most important procedure. The import of human ES cells is also possible if similar conditions are fulfilled in the country of derivation. Each research project is put under a double check system, first by the IRB and then the Experts Committee on governmental level.
Ida
Ryuichi
R
Graduate School of Law, Kyoto University.
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D012106:Research; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation