EU ethics group sets guidelines for embryonic stem-cell research

While outlining the ethical conditions for EU-funded human embryonic stem-cell research, a Commission advisory group has stressed that ethical differences of opinion on the issue have not yet been resolved.

The European Group on Ethics of Science and New Technologies (EGE) published its opinion on guidelines for the ethics review of EU funded human embryonic stem cells (hESC) research projects on 12 July 2007. The opinion was delivered at Commission President Barroso’s request, and aims to assure that ethical rules and requirements with regard hESC in the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for research and development (FP7) are fully met.

Before detailing the implementation measures, the Group emphasised that “the ethical dilemma regarding the moral status of the human embryo and its use in research still persists. The EGE therefore stresses that the ethical differences of opinion concerning hESC research have not been resolved.”

Research on human embryonic stem cell is considered vital for finding cures and treatments for diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which are on the rise in Europe’s ageing population. However, EU member states have different positions regarding the regulation of human embryonic stem-cell research and laws in different countries reflect the different ethical, philosophical and religious beliefs. As to the US, President Bush has repeatedly vetoed the use of federal funding for stem-cell research. 

EU’s FP7 allows hESC research under certain conditions. No funding will, for example, be granted to research activities that destroy human embryos or are aimed at the procurement of stem cells, and no activity will be funded that is forbidden in all member states. In addition, research projects will only be considered for funding from member states where the research is legal. 

According to the EGE opinion, EU-funded human embryonic stem-cell research needs, in addition to the FP7 ethics rules, to respect the following:

• hESC lines have to result from non-implanted IVF embryos;  
• if alternatives to hESC with the same scientific potential as embryo-derived stem cells will be found in the future, their use should be maximised, and; 
• donors’ rights in terms of health, informed consent, data protection and free donation have to be protected and safeguarded.  

Furthermore, EGE stresses the need to maximise the use of hESC lines banked in the European Registry and to take concrete actions to stimulate public debate on hESC research.

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