Regulations in EU Member States regarding hES (human Embryonic Stem) cell research

1. “Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, dead or sustainable development ?” Legal and Economic Aspects Regulations in EU Member States regarding hES (human Embryonic Stem) cell research

2. Italy It is Prohibited to procure hES cells from human embryos but it is allowed the importation of hES cell lines The Italian law (Law 40/ February 2004) sets out a whole set of rules for assisted reproduction technology (ART). In our country: - The recourse to ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology) is allowed only to adult couples of different genders, married or living together, in order to assist the solution of reproductive problems arising as a result of human sterility or infertility -The recourse to assistance from a third party in any way, as well as access to reproductive technology for couples who carry genetic diseases with risk of transmission, is expressly forbidden. - The law states that no more than three embryos must be created at any one time and all the embryos created must be transferred together even if the couple does not need all the embryos. - The embryo cryopreservation is forbidden -It is forbidden the screening of embryos for implant and it is forbidden to kill them.

3. Germany It is Prohibited to procure hES cells from human embryos but it is allowed the importation of hES cell lines Germany has one of the most rigid law on stem cell research. Scientists can use younger embryonic stem cells from abroad provided the qualifying date for procurement is 1 May 2007 . German scientists involved in international research projects who do not respect the prescriptions have to fear possible prison sentences.

4. The Netherlands Portugal It is allowed the procurement of hES cells from super-numary embryos Greece

5. Bulgaria Poland No specific legislation regarding hES cell research Turkey No specific legislation regarding hES cell esearch Actually the authorization to the experimentation is given from the health's office case by case

6. European Funds for Research European diversity has led to vigorous debate when funding for embryonic stem cell research is discussed. In July 2006, European Ministers agreed to fund some elements of human embryonic stem cell research- allowing scientists in countries where human embryo experiments are legal to apply for funding for this work through the Framework Seven Research Programme.

7. European Funds for Research The phase to extract stem cells from the destruction of human embryos is not funded by EU. It can be funded the research on existing embryonic stem cells or on research conducted after the destruction of human life has taken place and finally it can be funded the research on stem cells from abroad and existed before the terms stated in the Law.

8. European Funds for Research In November 2006 the European Parliament and Council agreed the funding for the embryonic stem cell research More than €54 billion to fund research projects from 2007 to 2013. The European Parliament strongly points to the cooperation between the academic world and the world of industry, on boosting the position of young researchers and women in science and on encouraging participation of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs).

10. The human embryonic stem cell research in the world Countries coloured in brown have a permissive or flexible policy on human embryonic stem cell research. All have banned human reproductive cloning. These countries represent about 3.4 billion people, more than half the world's population. “Permissive” (countries in dark brown) means that various embryonic stem cell derivation techniques are permitted, including SCNT. “Flexible” (countries in light brown) means that stem cells may be derived from human embryos donated by fertility clinics only, excluding SCNT. Countries in yellow have either a restrictive policy or no established policy.