P.279
Analítico de Periódico
MELO, Helena Pereira de
European policies on embryonic stem cells
Themis, Coimbra, A.8,n.14(2007), p.109-137
POLÍTICA, EUROPA, BIOÉTICA, DOENÇA, INVESTIGAÇÃO, SAÚDE
This paper deals with the legal issues that arise from embryonic stem cell research. We begin with a brief description of the types of research projects that are being carried out in this area and of their importance for developing new treatments for a wide variety of diseases. As human embryo stem cell research is done with cells taken from embryos it raises the classical problem of what protection ought to be accorded to the human embryo. We outline the different answers that are usually given to this problem. Then we focus on the legal provisions laid down both at the European level and at the national level relating to human embryo research. As the legal framework for this type of research differs considerably from one European Country to another, we try to find out if there are any common rules for all countries - if there are certain areas of embryo research that are generally regarded as acceptable. Finally, we include some speculation on the possible future directions of the legal framework of embryonic stem cell research in Europe.