Recent Developments in Stem Cell Research: Social, Ethical and Legal Issues for the Future

Abstract

President Obama recently authorised federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. The FDA approved the first trial to produce human proteins from genetically modified animals' milk. The first US clinical trial of a human stem cell treatment was deferred when an unregulated procedure in Moscow reportedly caused tumors. This paper describes developments in embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell research - in vitro, animal and human. It outlines regulatory responses (US, Canada, UK, Australia). It argues that any human stem cell research that produces effective treatments will receive community support, despite earlier reservations about the research leading to them.

Keywords: stem cells, research, law, ethics, policy

JEL Classification: K3, K30, K32, K39