stem cell research

INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL POLICY

Embryonic stem cell research has divided the international community. In the European Union, stem cell research using the human embryo is permitted in Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Greece, Britain, Denmark, and the Netherlands; however it is illegal in Germany, Austria, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. The issue has similarly divided the United States, with several states enforcing a complete ban and others giving financial support - see below. The Confucian-influenced countries in East Asia—China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan—all have supportive policies toward stem cell research. India still has no policies covering stem cell research but is currently formulating them. The Middle East is largely restrictive with the exception of Israel and Iran. Australia is partially supportive (exempting reproductive cloning yet allowing research on embryonic stem cells that are derived from the process of IVF); however New Zealand, most of Africa (excepting South Africa) and most of South America (excepting Brazil) are restrictive.

INDEX

What is a stem cell?
   Research history and developments
Isolation and in vitro culture
Production of male gametes
Contamination by reagents used in cell culture
Reducing donor-host rejection
Potential method for new cell line derivation
   Stem cell therapies
   Controversy of Embryonic stem cell research
Arguments for cell research state these reasons:
Arguments against embryonic stem cell research
Stem cells without embryonic destruction
   Patents covering human stem cell research
   International policy context
   US policy debate
Origins of policy debate in the U.S.

Congressional response

References