Stem cell research: report tackles ethical and legal issues, April 2003

Stem cell research is considered one of the promising areas of biotechnology, with potential for treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. In some cases, however, it is a contentious technology which raises complex ethical questions.

Indeed, concerns over the ethical aspects of stem cell research using human embryos led the European Commission to postpone a decision of whether to fund such projects under the Union's Sixth Research Framework Programme (FP6). Together with the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, the Commission agreed that a decision should be taken during 2003, following discussions with experts at a seminar in April.

The Commission Staff Working Paper 'Report on human embryonic stem cell research' was published on 7 April to support discussions at the seminar on 24 April, at which participants will attempt to define guidelines for EU-funded stem cell research. The report covers:

• the characteristics of stems cells and the various sources available;

• the potential application of human stem cell research;

• the current state-of-the-art in human embryonic stem cell research;

• advantages and limitations of the various sources of human stem cells;

• socio-economic aspects;

• the governance of human embryonic stem cell research.

According to the Commission's Working Paper:

'The question [of] whether it is ethically defensible to do research on embryonic stem cells can be described as a conflict between different values, between different actors' rights and obligations, or between the short- and long-term interests of different groups. On the one hand, there is interest in new knowledge that can lead to treatment of hitherto incurable diseases. On the other hand, when this research involves the use of human embryos, it raises the question of ethical values at stake and of the limits and conditions for such research. Opinions on the legitimacy of experiments using human embryos are divided according to the different ethical, philosophical, and religious traditions in which they are rooted. EU Member States have taken very different positions regarding the regulation of human embryonic stem cell research. It confirms that different views exist throughout the European Union concerning what is and what is not ethically defensible.'

The Paper also refers to an Opinion of The European Group on Ethics in Sciences and New Technologies on the ethical aspects of human stem cell research and use, which identifies a number of fundamental ethical principles applicable to human embryonic stem cell research:

• the principle of respect for human dignity;
• the principle of individual autonomy (entailing the giving of informed consent, and respect for privacy and confidentiality of personal data);
• the principle of justice and of beneficence (namely with regard to the improvement and protection of health);
• the principle of freedom of research (which is to be balanced against other fundamental principles).

Commissioner Philippe Busquin, responsible for Research, said the report and seminar 'are not about establishing EU legislation on ethical questions', because such matters are the responsibility of Member States (which have different views on stem cell research - some already have legislation in place and others are considering it). Instead, the Commissioner argued, 'The challenge is to explore, through dialogue, how we can foster strong collaboration in a European Research Area and promote cutting-edge research for the benefit of citizens while respecting national rules and values.'

After the 24 April seminar, the European Commission plans to present Council and Parliament with a formal proposal for establishing guidelines on funding research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells within the context of the Sixth Framework Programme.

Links:

European Commission:
	07.04.03:	Commission report on human embryonic stem cell research provides basis for discussion on ethics [IP/03/506]
	07.04.03:	Report on human embryonic stem cell research [MEMO/03/81]
	03.04.03:	Commission Staff Working Paper: Report on human embryonic stem cell research [SEC(2003) 441]
	European Group on Ethics in Sciences and New Technologies

Eric Davies
Researcher
Compiled: Tuesday, 8 April 2003

The European Commission published on 7 April 2003 a Staff Working Paper 'Report on human embryonic stem cell research' aimed to support the current deabte on the future of stem cell research in the European Union.