Stem Cell Research and Therapy

Ethics and Regulatory Considerations of Stem Cell Research

- Lifecell Conference at Chennai Jan-2006 by Dr.Umesh Banakar

American president George W. Bush on 09 June 2001, gave permission to the use of federal funds for stem cell research involving human embryonic stem cells but has also imposed stringent laws for its use:

• Embryonic stem cells can be derived from stem cells of an embryo (produced for reproductive purpose) only when the embryo is no longer needed for these purposes. 
• A written informed consent should be obtained from the donor, indicating the willingness of the donor to allow use of the embryo for human embryonic stem cell related research and therapy.
• No commercialisation can be allowed in such instances (Example: Paying the donor to get an embryo) 

• The use of human embryonic stem cells has to be governed and strict regulations have to be followed for conducting stem cell research.
• Infrastructre and storage facilites are important for proper isolation of stem cells and conducting research.
• Proper facilities has to be maintained for storage of these cells.
• The utilistaion of embryonic stem cells for research purposes should be govered by federal laws.
  tained from the donor.
• A proper registry has to be maintained regarding the usage of embryonic stem cells. 
• International guidelines has to be followed in conducting stem cell research and all research has to be reported in international registry.
• Ethical guidelines has to be strictly followed in all stem cell research and therapy.
• Law makers are still not sure about wether there should be a separate regulatory board for use of human embryonic stem cells from other stem cell therapies.