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40 INTERNATIONAL AWEMainta Diahuebs, 2 November 2023

Health Council Approves Extended

Research on Older Embryos

THE Health Council has given its

approval for scientists to conduct
research on embryos for a longer
period, extending from 14 days to
28 days. These embryos are specifi-

cally preserved for research purposes,
primarily involving those left over after
in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments
and donated for research. The Health

Council emphasized that from an
ethical perspective, there is no definite
point at which research with embryos
becomes unacceptable, except in the

later stages of development.

According to the Health Council’s
recommendations to the Cabinet, the

decision to draw a line on the accept-
able duration of embryonic research
depends on several factors. Extending
research up to 28 days into embry-

onic development could yield valuable
insights into preventing developmental
disorders and addressing fertility
issues.

Currently, there is “virtually no knowl-
edge” about human embryo develop-
ment between two and four weeks, a
critical period when organ develop-

ment occurs. The potential for scien- ions. To gain social support, all interests Outgoing Minister Ernst Kuipers of
tific advancements in understanding and perspectives must be taken into Public Health sought advice from the
human development during this phase account. It’s essential to note that Health Council on human embryos,
is significant. an embryo is regarded as the start of encompassing classic embryos created

life, even though consciousness and by the fusion of egg and sperm cells
Moreover, scientists can already gain sensation do not develop until around and “embryo-like structures” (ELS)
insights into human embryos older than 22 weeks of gestation. generated in a laboratory without
one month by using non-living mate- the involvement of sperm, eggs, or a

rial left from abortions for research Until recently, researchers could only uterus.
purposes. sustain embryos for one week. However,
technological advancements have now The Health Council suggests that ELS
The council also considers the “social enabled the extended preservation of resembling intact embryos should also

perspective” in setting the 28-day embryos. The Health Council antici- receive protection under the Embryo
limit. While it acknowledges that the pates that large-scale research may Act, given the potential for them to
extension from two to four weeks is not commence immediately but recom- develop into a human. This advice may
justifiable, the council recognizes that mends timely consideration and deci- not necessarily apply to ELS that do

research involving embryos is a sensi- sion-making on this matter. not closely mimic intact embryos, such
tive subject with diverse public opin- as those imitating specific organs.