Donating embryos for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research: a committee opinion

This case study deals with the regulation of human embryonic stem-cell (hESC) research in Brazil. It aims to analyze the process that led to the authorization, in 2005, of the use of stem cells obtained from so-called supernumerary embryos for purposes of research and therapy. We argue that the pro-research lobby in Brazil had considerable success because it framed the issue by referring to Brazil’s peculiar policy background in the fields of assisted reproduction and embryo research. Moreover, this group of actors strategically avoided associating hESC research with abortion, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of this kind of research, rather than the motto of freedom of scientific research. Finally, it was able to rely on the judgment of a fairly progressive Supreme Court, which was also sensitive to public opinion at a time of ‘court activism’ or the ‘judicialization of politics’ in Brazil.

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Deliberating or Dithering? Ireland and Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

European Journal of Health Law ◽

10.1163/15718093-12341266 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 145-165

Author(s):

Fionnuala Gough

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Research ◽

Human Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Embryonic Stem Cell Research ◽

Moral Conflicts ◽

Legislative Framework ◽

The Republic ◽

Hesc Research

Abstract Disagreement about matters of public policy concerned with moral issues is inevitable in pluralist democracies. One approach to the resolution of moral conflicts in society is the concept of deliberative democracy, which emphasises the process or procedure which ultimately allows a political decision to be reached. The Republic of Ireland effectively has no legislative framework regulating human embryonic stem cell research (hESC research). This article proposes that Irish policymakers establish a procedural framework, similar to that used in other European democracies, to allow the development of appropriate regulations pertaining to hESC research in Ireland. In particular the article will consider how a three-tier model of procedural regulation has been used to achieve certainty in the area of hESC research in the United Kingdom and Germany and how this model might be applied to Ireland.

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Fresh embryo donation for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research: the experiences and values of IVF couples asked to be embryo donors

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dep124 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (9) ◽

pp. 2142-2150 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

E. Haimes ◽

K. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Human Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Embryo Donation ◽

Hesc Research

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Reproductive medicine meets human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research: the need to adjust the regulatory framework to actual expectations and potential detrimental consequences of hESC research

Fertility and Sterility ◽

10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.05.041 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 91 (4) ◽

pp. 1417-1419 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jose Luis Cortes ◽

Pablo Menendez

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Reproductive Medicine ◽

Human Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Regulatory Framework ◽

Hesc Research

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Human embryonic stem cell research and Proposition 71: Reflections on California's response to federal policy

Politics and the Life Sciences ◽

10.2990/29_2_73 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 73-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eileen Burgin

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Human Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Prime Mover ◽

Research Initiative ◽

Capitol Hill ◽

State Activism ◽

Hesc Research ◽

States History

In response to former President George W. Bush's funding limitations on human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research, California voters in 2004 passed Proposition 71, the most expansive state-funded medical research initiative in United States history. This study examines California's experiment in the life sciences, a particularly fitting analysis now as President Barack Obama has freed up additional federal funding for hESC research. In addition to exploring the general pitfalls of states, rather than the federal government, serving as principal players on hESC science and the perceived flaws in California's program, the analysis considers the strengths of state activism and of California's enterprise. On balance, given the Bush administration's policy on hESC research, the U.S. benefitted from state innovation. Moreover, even with the new federal regulatory policy on hESC research, California should be able to mesh its program with the federal initiative and remain a prime mover in this arena. The essay draws on informal interviews with key actors in California and on Capitol Hill in 2008 and 2009.

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