胚胎及胚胎幹細胞研究之法律規範─瑞士幹細胞研究法對我國之啟示

Abstract

鑑於胚胎及胚胎幹細胞研究立法之必要性，本文以瑞士二○○五年幹細胞研究法為比較法研究對象，用以與我國曾進入立法院審議程序之「人類胚胎及胚胎幹細胞保護研究法草案」、「人類胚胎及胚胎幹細胞研究保護法草案」以及衛生署於九十六年八月九日公告之「人類胚胎及胚胎幹細胞研究倫理政策指引」進行比較研究。論述過程除先就我國及各國目前在此領域之規範情形略加敘述，以及就瑞士幹細胞研究法之立法過程及內容加以介紹外。討論重心則在將兩份草案以及倫理政策指引中，有關胚胎及胚胎幹細胞研究之基本原則以及限制要件加以釐清；並與瑞士幹細胞研究法進行比較研究。最後則提出若干立法建議以為結論。

In view of the need for legislation on human embryo and embryonic stem cell research, this author has conducted a careful study, comparing two relevant draft bills being deliberated at the Legislative Yuan and the Ethical Guidelines for ESC Research proclaimed by the Department of Health on Aug. 9, 2007 with the Swiss Stem Cell Research Act, which became effective March 1, 2005.\nThis comparative study, first, gives a general description of the current state of the ESC regulations in various countries, including Taiwan. Then it provides an introduction to the contents of the Stem Cell Act in Switzerland as well as its experience in enacting the legislation.\nThe discussion focused on the restrictions the two bills and the Ethical Guidelines impose on ESC research, for the purpose of detailing the circumstances under which such research needs to be restricted. A comparative study of these proposed restrictions and those of Switzerland were also made. Finally, a number of proposals were raised by this author for consideration by lawmakers.