Human Tissue: Ethical and Legal Issues
Introduction
Human tissue is now used in an ever-increasing variety of ways as a result of advances in medical treatment, scientific research and biotechnology. These uses include organ and tissue transplantation, research on new medicines and the use of human cell lines and genetic material for studying fundamental biological processes.
The law relating to the use of human tissue had not anticipated these developments. A Working Party was therefore set up to examine the ethical and associated legal questions raised by the medical and scientific uses of human tissue. A Report was published in April 1995.
It considers:
- which uses of human tissue are ethical
- the appropriate safeguards for people from whom tissue is removed
- commercialisation of human tissue
- means for ensuring the safety of human tissue used for medical purposes
There has been wide debate about the uses of human tissue since the publication of the Report which has provided guidance for professional organisations and policymakers.
Last Updated Mon, 17 September 2007