RETHINKING GENERAL CONSENT FOR STEM CELL-BASED EMBRYO MODEL RESEARCH

Advances in stem cell research now allow us to create embryo models outside the womb with stem cells originally derived from human skin. The models provide novel opportunities to understand human development, fertility, and genetics, yet bring potential ethical and legal challenges. Current ethical...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Stanford journal of civil rights & civil liberties 2024-04, Vol.20 (1), p.181-219
Main Author: Mittleman, Briana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Babies
Biological research
Bodily integrity
Cardiomyocytes
Common law
Embryos
Ethics
Fertility
Genetics
Informed consent
Medical research
Property law
Research methodology
Researchers
Skin
Statutes
Stem cells
Transplants & implants
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Summary:Advances in stem cell research now allow us to create embryo models outside the womb with stem cells originally derived from human skin. The models provide novel opportunities to understand human development, fertility, and genetics, yet bring potential ethical and legal challenges. Current ethical and legal work centers on the moral status of embryo models, but no one has evaluated the complexity this new research adds to the relationship between researchers and biological material donors or between donors and the research itself. I argue the use of previously collected biological material for stem cell-based embryo models opens novel ethical and legal concerns. Broad consent models take autonomy away from research participants in a controversial area of research. Current common law property doctrine would not apply easily to a dispute over stem cell-based embryo models, and current statutes do not protect aggrieved research participants. This Note outlines an informed consent structure for stem cell-based embryo model research that considers both research participant autonomy and possibilities for future innovation. I advocate for researchers to apply dynamic consent in their research by collecting new biological material and investing in continued relationships with donors.
ISSN:1553-7226
1553-7951