Policy

Major Countries

Permissive: various embryonic stem cell derivation techniques including somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), also called research or therapeutic cloning. SCNT is the transfer of a cell nucleus from a somatic or body cell into an egg from which the nucleus has been removed are permitted

United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden, Iran, Israel, India, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, South Africa

Flexible: derivations permitted from fertility clinic donations only, excluding SCNT, and often under certain restrictions. Research is permitted only on remaining embryos no longer needed for reproduction.

Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Taiwan

Somewhat restrictive: research permitted on imported embryonic stem cell lines only or on a limited number of previously established stem cell lines.

Germany, Italy, United States

Very restrictive: research generally banned

Austria, Ireland, Norway, Poland