人类胚胎研究“14天期限”原则的伦理学探讨

Ethical Review on the“14-Day Rule”of Human Embryo Research

"14天期限"原则是指开展人类胚胎体外研究在体外培养人类胚胎的时间不得超过14天(自受精之日起),这是一项公认的伦理原则。围绕国际社会新近对研究使用人类胚胎的体外培养时间限制的"14天期限"原则是否需要重新修订的讨论进行了梳理,分析了引发"14天期限"原则再考虑的科学背景以及伦理学论证。据此提出,为了获取更多的科学受益和社会受益而对该原则进行重新修订,是可以得到伦理学辩护的,但目前进行修订尚无必要。修订这一原则需要更多的科学进展和更为广泛的对社会政治背景的讨论。

The＂14-day rule＂,which is a basic rule for human embryo research in vitro,stipulates that experiments with intact human embryos must not allow them to develop beyond 14 days.This article focuses on the question of whether the＂14-day rule＂should be reviewed and revised.It also illustrates scientific reasons that raised the debate and ethical defense to reconsider the＂14-day rule＂.The authors of this article propose that it is ethical acceptable to revise the＂14-day rule＂for obtaining more scientific and social benefits.However,it is unnecessary to revise the ＂14-day rule＂right now.To change the＂14-day rule＂not only needs careful evaluation of the scientific feasibility and effective benefits of embryo research,but also needs broader discussions on the social and political implications.