James G. Anderson, Ph. D Purdue University. Human Embryo Research James G. Anderson, Ph. D Purdue University.

Treatment of Embryos Genetic Screening Research

Technology Amniocentesis (after 15 weeks of gestation) Chorionic villus sampling (1st trimester) Pre-implantation genetic screening (before clinical pregnancy)

Issues: Costs Eight million carriers of cystic fibrosis 30,000 babies born with cystic fibrosis Annual costs of care range from $8,500-46,000 Embryonic screening cost $6,000-13,000 The cost is not covered by health insurance in the U.S. The cost is covered in the U.K.

Ethical Issues Life of the embryo Eugenics Use of genetic information (e.g, employers, insurance companies Lack of regulation of fertility clinics Disposal of unused embryos

Research Improvements in pregnancy Fertilization Egg activation, maturation and freezing Embryonic screening Harvesting embryonic stem cells Cloning Cross-species fertilization

Potential Therapeutic Uses Parkinson’s Disease Huntington’s Disease Diabetes Spinal cord injuries Growth of new tissue/organs from stem cells

Regulations NIH ban on funds for research on human embryos Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act 1992 25 states have laws regulating disposal of embryos Congress is considering the Human Genome Privacy Act Debate over applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act NIH guidelines will allow federal funding of research with embryonic stem cells

NIH Human Embryo Research Panel Recommendations Acceptable Research Methods of improving the chances of pregnancy Fertilization Egg activation, maturation, and freezing Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis Development of embryonic stem cells

Need Additional Review Cloning and use of oocytes without their transfer to the uterus for gestation

Unacceptable Research Cloning and use of oocytes followed by transfer to the uterus for gestation Cross-species fertilization

Guidelines for Review/ Conduct of Federally Funded Research Qualified researcher Valid research design Major scientific clinical benefits Number of embryos should be minimal Informed consent obtained from gamete donors Embryos not be created solely for research No buying and selling of embryos No research on embryos more than 14 days old