Warning over lack of laws on stem cell research

THE dilemma of what to do with unused embryos following fertility treatment will not be resolved as long as the Government fails to introduce laws governing assisted human reproduction (AHR) and embryonic stem cell research, doctors and scientists have warned.

In addition, failure to legislate in this area means there is no legal impediment to human cloning, according to the Irish Stem Cell Foundation (ISCF), Ireland’s national stem cell research organisation.

The foundation, which supports the regulated use for research of embryos that are surplus to the requirements of a clinical IVF programme, claims the absence of an open and transparent stem cell policy is costing Ireland valuable research opportunities because researchers cannot work effectively in an environment where there is no regulatory framework.