Resolving the "egg supply problem" in human embryonic stem cell derivation through technical means--a legal and ethical analysis.

This paper seeks to briefly discuss the legal and ethical problems connected to scientific developments in the field of human embryonic stem cell derivation aimed at solving the "egg supply problem" in stem cell research. The legal situation is discussed in respect of the UK's current regulatory regime, proposed reform and the Oviedo Convention. The scientific developments which are examined are chimeric embryos, in vitro maturation of oocytes, derivation of stem cell lines in connection with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and the derivation of oocytes from existing stem cell lines.