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

2. Treatment of Embryos
Genetic Screening
Research

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

4. 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.

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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