01454nam a2200133   450000100060000010000410000610100080004720000460005533010610010146100470116260600720120970000290128185200100131021130  a20080219u           y0pory50      ba  apor  aEuropean policies on embryonic stem cells  aThis paper deals with the legal issues that arise from embryonic stem cell research. We begin with a brief description of the types of research projects that are being carried out in this area and of their importance for developing new treatments for a wide variety of diseases. As human embryo stem cell research is done with cells taken from embryos it raises the classical problem of what protection ought to be accorded to the human embryo. We outline the different answers that are usually given to this problem. Then we focus on the legal provisions laid down both at the European level and at the national level relating to human embryo research. As the legal framework for this type of research differs considerably from one European Country to another, we try to find out if there are any common rules for all countries - if there are certain areas of embryo research that are generally regarded as acceptable. Finally, we include some speculation on the possible future directions of the legal framework of embryonic stem cell research in Europe.  vA.8,n.14d2007pp.109-137tThemiscCoimbra  aPOLÍTICA  EUROPA  BIOÉTICA  DOENÇA  INVESTIGAÇÃO  SAÚDE  aMELObHelena Pereira de   jP.279