New Guidelines for Stem Cell Research

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), an independent nonprofit founded in 2002, recently updated their guidelines for stem cell research. This update was completed due to the increased amount of research in the field over recent years. The guidelines acknowledge the importance studying human embryos in the advancement of stem cell understanding. The controversy surrounding the use of human embryos for stem cell research is active and often related to beliefs surrounding the start of human life, or when personhood is gained. The new ISSCR recommendations focus on the preservation of research integrity and patient welfare, as well as respect for the subjects of study and transparency surrounding the methods used. The new document aims to address ethical uncertainties that may be found in the previously offered ISSCR documents “Guidelines for the conduct of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research” (2006) and “Guidelines for the Clinical Translation of Stem Cells” (2008). Some of these uncertainties may have arisen because of advancements in the field since the publication of the original recommendations. Interestingly, the new guidelines find that it may be acceptable to financially compensate women who donate their eggs. This accommodation is considered to be an appropriate way to ensure there is no burden placed upon women who choose to donate their eggs for scientific research that may not result in lifesaving medical advancements. However, the financial compensation for egg donation could also be viewed as an incentive to donate eggs in order to profit. If this is the case, women are no longer donating eggs but selling them. The new guidelines grapple with the way eggs may be seen. It is clear that eggs may be seen as analogous to organs, potential lives, or crucial ingredients to groundbreaking research. Navigating these views is difficult and is clearly attempted in the new ISSCR document.

The complete document specifying all new guidelines can be found at the ISSCR website: http://www.isscr.org/

Works Cited

"About Us." ISSCR. International Society for Stem Cell Research, n.d. Web. <http://www.isscr.org/home/about-us>.

Guidelines for Stem Cell Science and Clinical Translation. Skokie, Illinois, USA: International Society for Stem Cell Research, 12 May 2016.

Nicholas, Anne. "ISSCR Releases Updated Guidelines for Stem Cell Science and Clinical Translation." ISSCR. International Society for Stem Cell Research, 12 May 2016. Web. 14 May 2016. <http://www.isscr.org/home/about-us/news-press-releases/2016/2016/05/12/isscr-releases-updated-guidelines-for-stem-cell-science-and-clinical-translation>.

Kidney racket in India uncovered

Indian police have uncovered a group trafficking human kidneys in a prominent private hospital in Delhi. Ten arrests have been made so far, including two surgeons’ assistants and the ringleader of the organization. The group “has been operating for the last one-and-a-half years in Delhi and Kolkata” (McKirdy and Pokharel, 2016). Poor people were lured from all over India to give up their kidneys for a small fee. The suspects then sold the organs for up to $7,500 (BBC News, 2016). According to Mandeep Randhawa, the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Southeast Delhi, it is unknown exactly how many kidneys were traded and how much money changed hands, although the police have been able to confirm five cases occurring in a period of four to five months (McKirdy and Pokharel, 2016).

Apollo Hospital, where the trafficking allegedly took place, denies any involvement in the operation. A hospital spokesperson described Apollo as “a victim of a well-orchestrated operation to cheat patients and the hospital” (BBC News, 2016). Nonetheless, police are investigating transplant committee members at the hospital “as all institutions in India are required to have a committee approve kidney transplants” (McKirdy and Pokharel, 2016). The hospital suggests that forged documents were used to pass stringent procedures. The hospital has given their full cooperation to the police as they continue in their investigation, and police are also monitoring other hospitals in the area.

McKirdy, E. and Pokharel, S. (2016, June 6). Delhi hospital kidney scam: 5 arrested. CNN. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/05/asia/india-delhi-hospital-kidney-racket/index.html

McKirdy, E. and Pokharel, S. (2016, June 9). Delhi hospital kidney scam: Ringleader nabbed. CNN. Retrieved 9 June 2016, from http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/09/asia/india-delhi-hospital-kidney-racket/

Kidney racket at top Delhi hospital - BBC News. (2016, June 4). BBC News. Retrieved 9 June 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36452439