Research using the human embryo: a question of ethics

There has been a considerable amount of debate in Europe on the use of the human embryo in research, a key point in the ongoing examination of bioethi cs laws. The French Academy of Medicine, the National Consultative Committe e on Ethics, the State Council and the Parliamentary Office for the evaluat ion of scientific and technologic decisions have all made formal statements . An examination of these opinions discloses that there is a critical agree ment concerning the Laws of July 1994 and on the requirement for a better t ext regulating research on the human embryo. It is becoming very clear that an international harmonization will probably not be possible on this point In this context, where research on the human embryo is authorized in the United States, it is reasonable to expect fund amental discoveries which will be of fundamental importance for all scienti fic disciplines, emphasizing the need for further thought on our protection ist legal position.