Admixed human embryos and stem cells: legislative, ethical and scientific advances.
This paper examines the regulatory framework currently governing the creation of animal-human hybrids and chimera embryos in stem cell research, and some of the ethical implications of such research. It discusses the findings of a recent government select committee that considered the topic. It considers the debate around the precise definition of a human embryo, and whether such hybrids therefore fall within the remit of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. It outlines the advantages of such hybrids, in lessening the need for human egg donors, as well as the moral objections to species boundary violation. It calls for an examination of the scientific benefits of such research to inform debate on the question, and argues for the need to take genuine account of the public's views on this matter.
Bahadur
G
G
Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Laboratories, UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London/University College Hospitals Trust, Rosenheim Building, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK. gulam.bahadur@uclh.org
Iqbal
M
M
Malik
S
S
Sanyal
A
A
Wafa
R
R
Noble
R
R
D032761:Animal Experimentation; D000818:Animals; D002678:Chimera; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019924:Embryo Disposition / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D011639:Public Opinion; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013234:Stem Cells; D039901:Totipotent Stem Cells; D006113:United Kingdom; D026712:Value of Life