Research involving the use of human Embryonic Stem Cells

Date: 10/10/2007

The Commission clearly stated that “All proposals for funding involving the use of human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) and/or foetal issues will be automatically submitted to an ethical review panel”.
At the evaluation step, once the scientific evaluators confirm the necessity of using hESC in the research proposal, the ethical review panel assesses:

• That the proposal does not include research activities which destroys embryos
• Whether the consortium has taken into account the legislation, regulations, ethical rules and/or codes of conduct in place in the country(ies) where the research using hESC is to take place, including the procedures for obtaining informed consent
• The source of the hESC;
• The measures taken to protect personal data, including genetic data, and privacy;
• The nature of financial inducements, if any.

Each research proposal involving the use of hESC, which is supported within FP7, is assessed by at least two independent ethical reviews: one in the country(ies) itself where the research will be carried out and one at the EU level. A list of National Ethics Committees is available at:
http://ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/link/index_en.htm#4

The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, a neutral, independent, pluralist and multidisciplinary body, composed of fifteen experts appointed by the Commission, suggested that, among others, the following considerations have to apply to hESC funded by the EU:

1. FP7 hESC lines have to result from non-implanted IVF embryos;
2. hESC lines banked in the European Registry should be used where possible;
3. If alternatives to hESC with the same scientific potential as embryo-derived stem cells will be found in the future, their use should be maximised;
4. Donors' rights (in terms of health, informed consent, data protection and free donation) have to be protected and safeguarded;
5. Actions to stimulate public debate on this research area are needed at EU level.
   

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