Ethical aspects of research involving the use of human embryo in the context of the 5th framework programme

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The first baby to be conceived by LQ YLWUR fertilisation (IVF) outside the mother’s body was not born until 1978 in the UK, research on human gametes and embryos donated by infertile couples had been carried out for the previous 10 years. During this period there were no specific regulations concerning human embryo research.

In the past, research on human eggs and embryos, without any existing legal framework at the time, played a large role in the development of IVF as a treatment for the alleviation of infertility. Today licensed human embryo research is more closely linked to new and constantly evolving techniques of assisted reproduction.

In the near future, other objectives of human embryo research may become extremely important. Basic research in this area increases our understanding of early human development, for example the expression of “cancer genes” in human development.