Mending the gaps: ethically sensitive cells and the evolution of European stem cell policy

Plain language summary European countries have adopted different types of rules or policies, including laws and professional standards, to regulate stem cell research. These differences are because each country has different history and cultures. Also, individuals and institutions (e.g., religious leaders, politicians and advocacy organizations) have different degrees of power to influence the type of policies that are adopted in each country. Over the past decades, stem cell policies have evolved slowly even with significant scientific advances. Yet, during this time, professional organizations have grown in influence, for example, the prominent International Society for Stem Cell Research, whose guidelines (or rules) are considered 'best practices' in the field. In this article, we identify and analyze stem cell policies in 46 European countries, comparing them against the International Society for Stem Cell Research's new Guidelines. In addition, we show the similarities and differences amongst these policies. Europe presents an interesting case study because the region includes a wide typology of policies like those adopted in the rest of the world, making this comparison useful for other countries as they consider the suitability of their own policies. The past decades witnessed the slow evolution of Europe's heterogeneous stem cell (SC) policy and substantial scientific advances in the field. Parallel to these developments, professional organizations have grown in influence. With the recently revised International Society for Stem Cell Research's Guidelines as a backdrop, we address the evolution of SC policies in 46 European countries and discuss how they fare against evolving ethical standards, societal views, and scientific advances. We identify areas of convergence, divergence, and the suitability of extant governance mechanisms to meet their stewardship roles. Europe represents a rich case study as it encompasses a wide range of policy approaches present worldwide. Comparative studies provide an opportunity to promote insight into national frameworks and to foster international harmonization.

Automated summary

This study analyzes stem cell policies in 46 European countries and compares them with the new guidelines from the International Society for Stem Cell Research. The comparison reveals similarities and differences among these policies. Europe provides a diverse range of policy approaches, making this comparison useful for other countries as well.