Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This is a qualitative data collection.

The bioethics of human embryonic stem cell research (HESR) is controversial, including in Asia. After the 2001 US-moratorium on the federal funding of HESR, some Asian countries jumped into the 'bioethical vacuum', claiming that Asian countries do not suffer from Western religious scruples about using human embryos in research. Nevertheless, controversies around the donation of oocytes, the trade and barter of embryos, stem cell research trials, and human embryonic cloning in Asia have attracted global media attention.

International guidelines are being adopted into diverging economic, political and socio-cultural contexts in Asia. This comparative research asked on what basis these guidelines are adopted in a socialist developing country such as China (PRC) and in a wealthy, democratic bureaucracy such as Japan. It investigated the formulation and implementation of regulations by visiting laboratories and clinics, interviewing clinicians and clients about the donation embryos and oocytes, observing scientists that handle the ‘materials’ and analysing public debates.

Studying how bioethics guidelines created through the combined efforts by governments, medical associations and private companies impact research and international research cooperation, the research expects to provide insights into how scientists, publics and governments deal with regulatory and bioethical problems in very different economic, political and cultural contexts.


Main Topics:

Human embryonic stem cell research, international research collaboration, bioethical regulation, scientific policy, public debate, and Asia.