US Stem Cell Research Policy

Since their discovery, human stem cells have remained a point of discussions in science and health policy. They are thought to have considerable potential for the treatment of many diseases, but particularly when derived from human embryos, they raise ethical issues. In this chapter, we identify four main sources of human stem cells and examine the ethical and policy implications of research and treatment use of cells from those sources. We then outline the evolving state, federal, and international laws, policies, and guidelines surrounding human stem cell research, specifically focusing on the most ethically challenging source of stem cells: human embryos. We conclude with a discussion of three ethical, legal, social, and policy issues: compensation of egg donors, commercialization of and access to stem cell therapies, and the creation of animal–human chimeras.