Research Library

The papers in this series examine the ethical, policy and scientific issues that arise in the controversial field of human embryo research.  The reports are part of the grant “Drawing the Line: Assessing and Analyzing the U.S. Rule on Embryo Research from Ethical, Political, and Scientific Perspectives,” which was funded by The Greenwall Foundation. Additional support for the project was provided by the Brocher Foundation and the Baker Institute’s State of Qatar Endowment for International Stem Cell Policy.

A growing number of stem cell clinics treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, yet few have conducted the necessary clinical research to ensure safety and efficacy. The authors highlight the importance of collaboration between scientists, regulators, patients and patient advocates in developing effective policies and practices for unproven stem cell-based intervention clinics.

To what lengths should we go to preserve human life? Doctors from Italy and China plan to provide a Russian volunteer with a new body. But is this ethical? Should they proceed? Nonresident scholar Ana S. Iltis explores these issues in a post on the Baker Institute Blog.

The authors explore the different scientific values and priorities that should be considered in setting the policy agenda for effectively combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and argue that researchers and physicians should participate in this process.

Baker Institute Policy Report #64 highlights some of the central ethical issues pertaining to NTD policy development and argues that ethical considerations should be included in the policy development process.

This journal article examines the risks patients face in seeking experimental stem cell-based interventions from clinics outside the United States. The authors advocate for new public policies that encourage patients to remain in clinical trials in the U.S.