Human embryonic stem cell lines: the ethics of derivation.

In Canada it is permissible to proceed with stem cell research using human embryos created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) provided: these were originally created for infertility treatment; they are no longer required for such treatment; and there is an appropriate consent for their research use. As such, IVF human embryos in excess of clinical need are a valuable resource for embryonic stem cell researchers. A point often overlooked, however, is that these excess IVF human embryos are also a scarce resource. Their scarcity suggests the need to develop sound policies and procedures, in a timely and coordinated fashion, to ensure that the few human embryos available for embryonic stem cell research are not used in less important research endeavours or used when other biological materials are appropriate. Injudicious use of the few human embryos available for research use may risk the following consequences: no ongoing research in Canada to derive human embryonic stem cell lines; a reliance on the importation of stem cell lines from other countries for any research on the use of embryonic stem cells; and pressure from Canadian researchers to remove the prohibition on the purposeful creation of human embryos for research use.