Mind the Gap: Policy Approaches to Embryonic Stem Cell and Cloning Research in 50 Countries

Abstract

This article provides an overview of (I) the moral and legal status of the human embryo and of the (II) regulatory approaches to embryonic stem cells and cloning research by comparing the regulatory frameworks of 50 countries. The major goal of this study is to provide and analytical understanding of the policy landscape around the globe, with an aim to contribute to worldwide policy debates. The comparison of these policies underscores the hurdles that scientific consortia involving international jurisdictions and policy frameworks have to confront, as well as the challenges facing the international harmonization of such policies.