Human Embryo, Animal Embryo, Chimerical Embryo: What Legal Status in French Law?

Abstract

The authors consider French law applicable to human and animal embryos, and hence reflect on the status of chimerical embryos. This paper takes readers to the boundaries of the human species. French law is silent on chimerical embryos, combining human and animal genetic material. The authors go beyond the taboos to explore possible solutions offered by intellectual property. They make reference to the civilian rules concerning “principal and accessories” or composite things. The authors note that the range of genomic mixtures leads to infinite questions, which all too often are ignored by lawyers. The paper is fertile in triggering possible answers.

Keywords: French Law, Persons, Things, Civil Law, Human Embryos, Animal Embryos, Chimerical Embryos