Ethics

Stem cell research raises many ethical and societal questions, relating to the source of the stem cell (adult, embryonic), its derivation and storage, to the commercialisation, patentability, access to treatment, risk and safety. Opinions on each of these concerns differ across Europe. For some European citizens, embryonic stem cell research is acceptable. Others believe that embryos should not be used for research. In our project we will focus on the storage and cryo-preservation of the stem cells. We will recognise the different perspectives and ethical considerations about stem cells.

Throughout the European institutions, the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies is a multidisciplinary body set up to examine ethical questions arising from science and new technologies. The Group issues Opinions to the European Commission in connection with the preparation and implementation of Community legislation or policies. Over the last years the Group has worked out several Opinions relating to stem cell research.

The European Institute of Bioethics is a private initiative by a group of individuals (doctors, lawyers, scientists, …) highly conscious of the advances made in the field of medicine and biology and which give society unprecedented control over human life. Mindful of the hopes and promises, but also of the inherent risks to which current biomedical discoveries and practices give rise, they came together to set up an organization designed to provide reliable information and to encourage the widest possible discussion on both the scope and stakes involved.

EIB’s stated objective is to contribute to the development of bioethics based on the respect and the promotion of the individual, from conception to natural death.

Ethical Advisor for the CRYSTAL project:

Bioethics Institute Ghent
Dr. Katrien Devolder
Blandijnberg 2,
9000 Gent
Tel: +32 9 264 41 03
Fax: +32 9 264 41 87
Email: katrien.devolder@ugent.be