The human pluripotent stem cell: impact on medicine and society

Objective: To discuss the current state of the science surrounding human pl uripotent stem cells and to show that the derivation of such cells from don ated preimplantation human embryos should be eligible for federal funding p rovided that certain protections are met. Design: A literature search focusing on the scientific aspects of pluripote nt stem-cell research and analyses of current and past legislation and fede ral panel recommendations. Conclusion(s): The current federal laws regulating the permissions necessar y to obtain fetal tissue from elective pregnancy terminations are intended to insulate the decision to terminate a pregnancy from the potential positi ve influence of fetal tissue transplantation. A similar situation can be cr eated for the derivation of cells from excess preimplantation human embryos produced by IVF programs. If, as in fetal tissue research, assurances can be made that the research will have no influence on the decision to dispose of the embryo, the derivation of pluripotent stem cells from embryo should proceed with federal funding. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000;74: 1-7. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine).