United Kingdom

As the promise of stem cell research has grown, researchers in the United Kingdom (UK) have played a leading role in studying potential therapeutic uses for those facing diseases and other medical conditions. Home to major research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and foundations, stem cell research in the UK has been seen as a national priority by many leaders and has been the recipient of considerable support. While certain constituencies have expressed opposition to stem cell research, especially that involving human cloning and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), research has made several major breakthroughs. In response to the concerns of some, a system of laws and regulations have been developed to control the process by which stem cell research is conducted. Debates regarding the ethics of stem ...