Green light for embryo research. the Constitutional Council validated on July 29 several provisions of the bioethics law paving the way for an imminent promulgation of the text.

These provisions, for which some sixty opposition MPs had lodged an appeal after the law was passed in Parliament on June 29, related to several controversial points: research on human embryos and embryonic stem cells, but also donation of gametes and information to parents when performing prenatal examinations. All are now deemed to be constitutionally compliant.

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No risk of eugenics

The protesting deputies pointed in particular to a provision of article 20 which provides that research on the human embryo and embryonic stem cells can now be carried out not only for medical purposes but also for “improve knowledge of human biology“.

Their fear was that the article would not set enough limits, opening the door to eugenics. The Constitutional Council rejected these arguments. He considers that the term “human embryo“is”not imprecise“and considers that this research, subject to authorization or declaration to the Biomedicine Agency,”do not derogate from the ban on eugenic practices“.

The fear of transgenic embryos

The Wise Men also did not consider admissible the criticism of article 23 of the bioethics law, which removes the prohibition of transgenic embryos from the law. For the institution, “the contested provisions allow the creation of transgenic embryos only within the framework of research on the embryo surrounded by effective guarantees“.

Better still, they continue to prohibit “insertion of human cells into an animal embryo“. Also, they do not contravene the constitutional principle of safeguarding the dignity of the human person,” she concludes.

Prenatal examinations and donation of gametes

Then, the Constitutional Council also validates article 25 of the law, which conditions the agreement of the pregnant woman with the information of the other member of the couple on the results of prenatal examinations.

Finally, he rejects the appeal concerning article 3, which regulates the donation of gametes, spermatozoa or oocytes. The requesting deputies argued that these provisions would authorize all persons placed under guardianship or guardianship to make such donations. But another article of the law, article 11, provides that adults who are the subject of a measure of legal protection cannot do so, underline the Wise Men.