Blog13th August 2025
With debate growing around whether the “14-day rule” on human embryo research remains fit for purpose, the need for inclusive public dialogue is more important than ever. Decisions about whether and how to change this longstanding limit must be shaped by what matters to the public – their values, concerns, and hopes for the future.
This is why we are conducting a major public dialogue, supported by Sciencewise, to explore public views and priorities on potential changes to the 14-day rule. The dialogue will be delivered by Ipsos UK, who we are pleased to be working with on this important piece of work.
The “14-day rule” has been in place since the 1990s. It has served not only as a clear limit on how long human embryos can be cultured in the lab for research, but it is often argued that, in turn, it has helped to maintain public trust in embryo research. Crucially, it has allowed important research on early human development to progress within well-defined ethical and legal boundaries.
Until recently, the rule posed no practical constraints, as scientists were unable to culture embryos beyond this limit. However, scientific developments mean this is no longer the case. Researchers can now sustain embryos beyond 14 days, raising new possibilities, such as gaining insights into congenital diseases, placenta formation, and embryo implantation. These advances could improve fertility treatments and deepen understanding of early human development. However, they also raise significant ethical questions about how we might understand, value, and regulate research involving human embryos beyond 14-days.
It is vital that public voices are a part of this conversation. Any future changes to the law, especially in light of the recent recommendation by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), must reflect not just scientific capability but also public values.
Building on past engagement
Our dialogue aims to build upon the foundational 2023 Human Developmental Biology Initiative (HDBI) public dialogue by engaging the public in exploring options around potential changes to the 14-day rule. The previous dialogue highlighted the need for further public engagement, particularly from diverse groups. As one participant powerfully said:
“I do think that an extension of this public dialogue, and educating a wider society, has a benefit in itself. This is really complex and sensitive, and the wider you talk about it before decisions are made, the better.”
Public Participant (Broad public group, South)
We’re excited to be working with Ipsos UK and their partners, The Liminal Space and National Voices, to deliver a two-stage public dialogue that brings together diverse voices from across the UK, overseen by an independent Oversight Group.
- Stage one will involve a series of workshops, events, and interviews with specific communities and groups, particularly under-represented groups in biomedical research or who have lived experience of the issues involved.
- Stage two will convene a large, deliberative Citizens’ Summit of over 100 people to explore the broader scientific, ethical, and regulatory implications of potential changes to the 14-day rule, including supporting participants to imagine how changes to the 14-day rule might affect them and the UK.
A key feature of this work will be the use of innovative, immersive design techniques, led by The Liminal Space, to help participants engage deeply with the topic. These creative tools are designed to spark meaningful conversations, engage with future scenarios, and invite people to explore the social, ethical, and scientific dimensions of any potential changes to the 14-day rule.
Looking ahead
This public dialogue is an integral part of our wider programme of work examining the current and future ethical, scientific, social, and policy considerations related to the 14-day rule for human embryo research. Insights from the dialogue will be a vital contribution to the Working Group’s discussions and its final report, which aims to inform UK legislative reform and provide valuable evidence for policymakers.
By creating space for people to explore future possibilities with time, support, and comprehensive information, we hope to build a richer understanding of the values and priorities that shape public thinking.
We look forward to sharing insights from the dialogue in Summer 2026.