Opinions on research involving human embryo models by researchers and the general public

Hideki Yui; Yoshimi Yashiro; Kaori Muto; Saori Watanabe; Yukitaka Kiya; Yusuke Inoue; Zentaro Yamagata

doi:10.1016/j.reth.2024.05.001

Opinions on research involving human embryo models by researchers and the general public

Regen Ther. 2024 May 15:26:9-13. doi: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.05.001. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Authors

Hideki Yui^{1

2}, Yoshimi Yashiro³, Kaori Muto^{1

4}, Saori Watanabe⁴, Yukitaka Kiya⁴, Yusuke Inoue⁵, Zentaro Yamagata²

Affiliations

¹ RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan.
² Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-shi, Yamanashi, Japan.
³ Medical Innovation Center, Fujita Health University, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
⁴ The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
⁵ Department of Healthcare Ethics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan.

Abstract

Rules and ethical considerations regarding research on embryo models have been debated across numerous countries. In this paper, we provide insights from our attitude survey conducted among Japanese researchers, including members of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, and among the general public residing in Japan, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Our survey revealed that many researchers expressed the need for clear guidelines for embryo model research. Furthermore, a minority but significant portion of the general public in each country expressed opposition to research on embryo models but did not oppose research involving real embryos.

Keywords: Attitude survey; General public; Human embryo model; International comparison; Researcher.