Germany turns clock back

Article Abstract:

A law has been passed by the Bundestag in Germany making research using human embryos a criminal offense. Restrictions were also placed on in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which egg and sperm are united under laboratory conditions and then implanted. Embryos may only be created for the purpose of implantation into a woman's uterus. The law is the strictest in the world for regulating embryo research, and its passage raises broad questions regarding freedom of research in Germany. Details of the law are presented. Although removal of any cells from the dividing embryo at the eight-cell stage or earlier (when they could be used to create a new embryo) is forbidden, cells may be removed for diagnostic testing prior to implantation at a later stage (32- or 64-cell stage). In such cases, the embryo is not harmed and could develop normally if no disorder is found. The response of researchers has been mixed. Two large research organizations supported bans contained in the new law on cloning of humans and creating 'blendings' of animal and human cells, or chimeras. However, opposition was expressed by some researchers regarding the law's prohibition of gene therapy. Selection of the sex of an embryo to be implanted is allowed under the law so that embryos with sex-linked disorders can be identified; in such cases, only embryos of the other sex are used. Opposition parties, including the Social Democrats and the Green Party, voted against the law believing it to be too lenient, allowing 'eugenic measures'. A Green Party representative denounced the discarding of embryos with genetic diseases, comparing this to the 'selective measures' used by the Nazis. The party advises more research into the causes of infertility and options other than IVF. The Social Democrats feel their concerns regarding artificial insemination and inheritance have not been addressed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Germany, Human embryo, Human reproductive technology

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First European experiment

Article Abstract:

The first European gene therapy experiment will probably begin soon; it is to be carried out by a group of Italian researchers led by Claudio Bordignon of the Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele in Milan. In spite of protests by people concerned about possible abuses by unethical researchers, the Health Ministry will allow the final decision to be made by the hospital where the experiment is to be performed. The experiment itself involves the insertion of a normal gene into the white blood cells of a child with a genetic defect. The defect causes a deficiency of an enzyme, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and children so affected are hopelessly subject to infection because of their defective immune systems. Such "somatic" gene therapy (involving genetic alterations of body, rather than sex, cells) is not usually controversial in Europe; however, this is partly the result of a lack of awareness that gene therapy is not a theoretical, but a real, possibility. EC (European Community) members have not established a consensus where germ-line gene therapy is concerned (which would alter the genes in eggs or sperm). Germany has already passed a law that makes genetic engineering illegal. Although the EC plans to consider the ethical and social implications of analyzing the human genome, countries will probably decide individually how to regulate gene therapy. In the present quiescent news climate regarding the issue in Europe, undue media attention could politicize gene therapy before scientists have had a chance to advise the EC. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Italy, Europe, Political aspects, Ethical aspects, Gene therapy, Adenosine deaminase deficiency, ADA deficiency, Bordignon, Claudio

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