ISSCR MembersScientistsPublicMedia
The Basics
Beyond the Basics
Perspective
Glossary
FAQ
Make a Donation
About ISSCR
ISSCR Homepage

International Legislation on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The policies on human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research used by different countries vary tremendously and change frequently. The ISSCR keeps abreast of laws and guidelines that govern stem cell resource and has created this database on policies, legislation and pending legislation. We make every attempt to be accurate but cannot guarantee that all legislation and policy changes are included. Click here to suggest changes, corrections or additions.

ISSCR has categorized government policies in six areas:

  • Pending legislation/discussion
    There is currently active and ongoing discussion or pending legislation under consideration.
  • No explicit legislation on hESC research
    Explicit legislation has not been created to regulate hESC research specifically.
  • Existing stem cell lines
    Research is permitted on existing stem cell lines that have already been created.
  • Remaining embryos no longer needed for fertilization
    Research is permitted on embryos that remain unused after in vitro fertilization treatments (IVF).
  • Embryos created specifically for research through IVF
    Researchers are allowed to create embryos using IVF techniques specifically for research purpose.
  • Embryos created through cell nuclear transfer into human oocytes or zygotes
    Nuclear transfer (NT) is permitted. (Explanation of nuclear transfer.)

Stem Cell Policies by Country
Countries are grouped into the following regions. Click the name of the region or view the map below.

USA Stem Cell Policies by State
Click here to view stem cell policies by states within the United States.

*See list of abbreviations used

To explore a region, or to determine which countries are included in a region, click on the flags:

Created by MapBuilder.net.

Abbreviations used in the database
hESC- human embryonic stem cell
IVF- in vitro fertilization
NT- nuclear transfer
SCNT- somatic cell nuclear transfer
NCSL- National Conference of State Legislatures (USA)
USA- United States of America

Nuclear transfer is a technique in which the nucleus of a somatic cell (any cell of the body apart from the sperm or egg) is transferred into an egg that has had its original nucleus removed. The egg now has the same DNA, or genetic material, as the donor somatic cell. Given the right signals, the egg can be coaxed into developing as if it had been fertilized. The egg would divide to form two cells, then four cells, then eight cells and so on until the blastocyst is formed. Embryonic stem cells can be derived from this blastocyst to create cell lines that are genetically identical to the donor somatic cell. NT may also be referred to as Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) in other literature.

Acknowledgements. The ISSCR thanks Harry Ritter for the collation of international legislations, and Ann Carroll for the collation of USA state legislations and ongoing support of these pages