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The regulation of human embryo and stem-cell research in the United Kingdom

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology volume 9, pages 998–1003 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, the derivation of human embryonic stem (ES) cells falls under the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act and subsequent amendments that were adopted in 2001. These laws do not regulate research with ES cells, which follows specific national guidelines. Owing to rapid progress in science and to changes in legal and public opinion, the current British Government proposed further radical amendments in a new HFE Bill. These will have important consequences for research and clinical practice that involve both embryos and stem cells.

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Acknowledgements

I am indebted to A. McLaren for her inspiration and encouragement to get involved, as well as to all those who suggested improvements to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robin Lovell-Badge is at the Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK. rlovell@nimr.mrc.ac.uk,

    Robin Lovell-Badge

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Robin Lovell-Badge's homepage

Academy of Medical Sciences

Gene Therapy Advisory Committee

HFEA public consultation

Hinxton Group

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

Human Tissue Authority

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

National Academy Guidelines

UK Stem Cell Bank

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Lovell-Badge, R. The regulation of human embryo and stem-cell research in the United Kingdom. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 9, 998–1003 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm2550

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