Open AccessMending the gaps: ethically sensitive cells and the evolution of European stem cell policy
Author(s) -
Rosario Isasi,
Margaret Ginoza,
Karin Jongsma,
Lars Assen,
Morris Fabbri
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
regenerative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.572
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1746-076X
pISSN - 1746-0751
DOI - 10.2217/rme-2022-0043
Subject(s) - stem cell , environmental ethics , microbiology and biotechnology , political science , biology , philosophy
The past decades witnessed the slow evolution of Europe's heterogeneous stem cell (SC) policy and substantial scientific advances in the field. Parallel to these developments, professional organizations have grown in influence. With the recently revised International Society for Stem Cell Research's Guidelines as a backdrop, we address the evolution of SC policies in 46 European countries and discuss how they fare against evolving ethical standards, societal views, and scientific advances. We identify areas of convergence, divergence, and the suitability of extant governance mechanisms to meet their stewardship roles. Europe represents a rich case study as it encompasses a wide range of policy approaches present worldwide. Comparative studies provide an opportunity to promote insight into national frameworks and to foster international harmonization.