Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (Sweden) on Should scientists pursue embryonic stem cell research?

Stem cell research S2004.018 [pdf, page 2]

Ethical principles
Embryonic stem cells are able to form practically all the
tissues of the body, which makes them particularly
interesting from the point of view of research. Most
controversy has centred upon embryonic stem cells
taken from fertilised eggs. This type of research raises
fundamental ethical questions involving our attitudes
towards people and our values. These questions concern
our views on when life begins and the ”protection” that
should be given to the fertilised egg.

Previous legislation
In Sweden, research on fertilised eggs has been
permitted since 1991. The Act (1991:115) concerning
research on fertilised eggs was primarily introduced to
regulate research focused on improving techniques for
test tube (in vitro) fertilisation. The Act provides for
research on fertilised eggs under certain conditions.
Research is only permitted in the first 14 days after
fertilisation. After this, the egg must be destroyed. A fer-
tilised egg that has been subject to research may not be
implanted in a woman’s body. Nor may the purpose of
the research be to create genetic changes that can be
inherited.

Research on fertilised eggs continues to be permitted
The Government proposes that research on fertilised
eggs continue to be permitted. The parameters of such
research have been laid down in the Government
decision of 1991 on research on fertilised eggs. Research
on fertilised eggs also comes under the provisions of the
Act on Ethical Review of Research involving Humans
(2003:460). The aim of the Act, which entered into
force on 1 January 2004, is to protect the individual in
the context of research. According to the Act, research
will be permitted only if it is undertaken with respect
for human dignity. Research may only be undertaken if
the risks it may entail are outweighed by its scientific
value. Research may not be approved if the same result
can be achieved in some other way that entails fewer
risks.