Global Human Embryonic Stem Cell Laws and Policies and Their Influence on Stem Cell Tourism
By Nishakanthi Gopalan et al.,
Biotechnology Law Report
| 10. 09. 2018
Abstract
Stem cell (SC) technology has spurred many debates among experts which highlight both the deficiency of current regulation and the growing need for better oversight. The benefit of better regulating SC technology is easily understood by studying the variety of laws and policies available. Previous compilations, last published in 2009, are outdated, calling for an update. Therefore, this study aims to bring up to date the laws and policies relating to human embryonic stem cells (HESC) and to identify emerging trends in regulation. The review of numerous legal documents, including bills and legislation, accessed through official government portals, found that all developed countries have sound legislation promoting research. While some developed nations have gaps within their otherwise-sound regulation, a more pressing issue is growing travel for treatment (“SC tourism”) to developing and under-developed countries where SC technology is under- or unregulated. Therefore, SC tourism is no longer a country issue; rather, it is a universal dilemma requiring international effort for a resolution.
Related Articles
GeneWatch UK has prepared a briefing on the genetic modification of nature for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Congress in October 2025
The upcoming Congress claims to be “where the world comes together to set priorities and drive conservation and sustainable development action.” A major concern for those on the outside is that the Congress may advance plans to develop and encourage the use of synthetic biology in nature conservation. This could at first glance sound like...
By Aaron Ginn, The Washington Post | 09.12.2025
Earlier this year, I had dinner in D.C. with Jensen Huang, the president and chief executive of Nvidia. At one point, he said something that struck me: “Why is everyone here so negative?”
He wasn’t referring to the economy...
By Roni Caryn Rabin, The New York Times | 08.25.2025
Scientists have dreamed for centuries about using animal organs to treat ailing humans. In recent years, those efforts have begun to bear fruit: Researchers have begun transplanting the hearts and kidneys of genetically modified pigs into patients, with varying degrees...
The Center for Genetics and Society is delighted to recommend the current edition of GMWatch Review – Number 589. UK-based GMWatch, a long-standing ally, was founded in 1998 by Jonathan Matthews as an independent organization seeking to counter the enormous corporate political power and propaganda of the GMO industry and its supporters. Matthews and Claire Robinson are its directors and managing editors.
CGS works to ensure that social justice, equity, human rights, and democratic governance are front...