Research using the human embryo: a question of ethics

There has been a considerable amount of debate in Europe on the use of the human embryo in research, a key point in the ongoing examination of bioethics laws. The French Academy of Medicine, the National Consultative Committee on Ethics, the State Council and the Parliamentary Office for the evaluation of scientific and technologic decisions have all made formal statements. An examination of these opinions discloses that there is a critical agreement concerning the Laws of July 1994 and on the requirement for a better text regulating research on the human embryo. It is becoming very clear that an international harmonization will probably not be possible on this point In this context, where research on the human embryo is authorized in the United States, it is reasonable to expect fundamental discoveries which will be of fundamental importance for all scientific disciplines, emphasizing the need for further thought on our protectionist legal position.