Temporal restriction of biomedical research on human embryos created in vitro

The article is devoted to the study of temporal limitation of biomedical research ofhuman embryos created in vitro. The author has investigated various models of settingtemporal restrictions, in particular, the most widespread in the world model of 14 daystemporal limitation. The article examines the validity of various models of temporal limitations(in particular, models that provide for temporal limitation of 7 days, 14 days, 28days) and their ability to maintain a balance between protection of a human embryo, interestsof a human, society, state, and science.Having studied the practice of establishing temporal limitations in various countries,including Switzerland, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, theauthor reached a conclusion. The research focused on issues related to the status of thehuman embryo and the scientific potential of studying embryos created in vitro more than14 days since their creation. The author concluded that the existing models, particularlythe 14-day rule, do not maintain a balance of interests. Therefore, it is necessary to establisha model that provides for multiple temporal limitations. The author has proposed atwo-level model of temporal limitation. The first level provides for the possibility of cultivatinga human embryo created in vitro up to the 14th day of its development from themoment of creation and carrying out biomedical research of such embryos up to the 14thday of their development from the moment of creation. The second level, which in exceptionalcases and in the presence of stricter conditions provides for the possibility of cultivatinga human embryo created in vitro up to the 28th day of its development from themoment of creation and carrying out biomedical research of such embryos up to the 28thday of their development from the moment of creation. Such a model is a compromise andwill ensure the balance between proper protection of a human embryo and interests of aperson, society, state, and science.