Washington D.C., May 28, 2021 / 17:03 pm
Two members of Congress this week criticized new guidance by a leading scientific organization removing prohibitions on research of human embryos more than 14 days old.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) released new guidance on Wednesday, May 16, now calling for conversations among leading scientists, donors, and public officials on the possibility of conducting research on human embryos past 14 days.
Such discussions should include “the scientific significance” of such research, as well as “the societal and ethical issues raised,” the society said.
At the moment, it is currently standard policy to destroy embryos used in research before they reach the 14th day of development. After 14 days, the nervous system of the unborn child begins to develop.