Legal regulation of human stem cell technology

Abstract

Stem cell technologies are subject to varying degrees of legal regulation around the world. This chapter examines regulation and policy in Australia and the United Kingdom and looks at how legislation deals with constantly changing scientific advances in the stem cell arena. It outlines the origins of the legislation and then notes some recent developments in stem cell science and treatment. Following this, the chapter considers the regulatory landscape in light of these developments, including the recent Heerey review in Australia, paying particular attention to the impact of induced pluripotent stem cells and to potential future developments in stem cell science. Overall, it is argued that..