First, that only cells from fertilized eggs less than 14 days old are used. Second, that no money is paid to donors for cells. Third, that research is limited to cells that were not used in fertility treatment. Under a two-tiered approval system, an internal review board of the institution where the research is be carried out must endorse the research group's plan before sending it to the government for approval. A major ethical split between obstetricians and prospective stem-cell researchers on the committee was resolved when it was decided that information about embryo donors would not accompany donated cells.
Debates continue on the commercialization and patenting of research results.
The issue has stirred up little public interest, especially compared with last year's intense debates over organ transplants from brain-dead donors. But some researchers have voiced concern over the prospect of starting research before adequate regulatory laws or organizations are in place. One member of the stem-cell subcommittee argues that the CST is too weak. He wants to see an information protection law set up, with an authoritative body to oversee genetic and embryo research. As a consequence, public trust could be lost.