About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline
LOG IN
LOG IN

17 Conn. J. Int'l L. 393 (2001-2002)
Stem Cell Research: The Laws of Nations and a Proposal for International Guidelines

handle is hein.journals/conjil17 and id is 403 raw text is: STEM CELL RESEARCH: THE LAWS OF NATIONS AND A PROPOSAL FOR INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES Allison C. Ayer* I. INTRODUCTION In 1998, scientists isolated and successfully cultured stem cells for the first time.' The researchers then used the cells to produce stem cell lines.2 Most experts agree that research on stem cells holds great potential to create advances in science and medicine and improve human life. Stem cell research offers unprecedented opportunities to discover information about the fimdamentals of cell division, the process of cell specialization, and human development.3 Research on stem cells also offers promise in developing medical therapies for debilitating diseases.4 Despite its promises, the isolation of stem cells and their potential for valuable scientific research and future treatment is controversial and has led to intense policy debates and has revealed ethical quandaries for experts and the public.5 Stem cell research, as well as other forms of research on human reproductive material, often require the utilization of human embryos. This is ethically questionable because of the diverse views that are held on the moral and legal status of embryos.6 Therefore, stem cell research forces us to confront fundamental questions about the beginnings of life and the ends of science.7 Many countries have tried to answer the questions regarding the ethical implications of research that uses human reproductive material through legislation regulating research on embryos and other human reproductive material. The U.S. Code and Federal Register contain legislation governing research on embryos and fetuses in the United States. The legislation defines the degree of protection that must be given to * J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law, expected 2003; B.A., College of the Holy Cross, 2000. This article is dedicated to my parents, Douglas and Lois Ayer, whose strength and love inspire me and whose support and encouragement allow me to realize my goals. 1. Nat'l Inst. Of Health, Fact Sheet on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Guidelines, (2001) available at http://www/nih.gov/newsstemcell/stemfactsheet.htm. [hereinafter NIH Fact Sheet]. 2. Nat'l Inst. Of Health, Stem Cells: A Primer, (2000) available at http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/primer.htn. [hereinafter Primer]. 3. NAT'L ACAD. PRESS, REPORT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH 1 (June 2001), available at http://books.nap.edu/htmlI/stem-cells/report.pdf [hereinafter Nat'l Academy Press]. 4. Id. 5. Id. 6. Id. 7. President George W. Bush, Address to the Nation on Stem Cell Research, 37 PUB. PAPERS 32, Aug. 9, 2001 [hereinafter Bush].

What Is HeinOnline?

HeinOnline is a subscription-based resource containing thousands of academic and legal journals from inception; complete coverage of government documents such as U.S. Statutes at Large, U.S. Code, Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Reports, and much more. Documents are image-based, fully searchable PDFs with the authority of print combined with the accessibility of a user-friendly and powerful database. For more information, request a quote or trial for your organization below.



Short-term subscription options include 24 hours, 48 hours, or 1 week to HeinOnline.

Purchase Access

Contact us for annual subscription options:

Contact Us

Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?

Log In

profiles profiles most