[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 106 (Friday, June 3, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13484]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 3, 1994]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 

Meeting of Panel/Request for Public Comment

    The fifth, and probably final, meeting of the National Institutes 
of Health (NIH) Human Embryo Research Panel will be held June 21-22 
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Holiday Inn Bethesda, 8120 
Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. The Panel is a group of special 
consultants to the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD), NIH, 
established to recommend guidelines for Federal funding of research 
involving the ex utero human embryo resulting from in vitro 
fertilization or other sources. At the June meeting, the Panel will 
work toward the resolution of outstanding issues and review a draft 
report of its findings and conclusions.

Background

    Research involving the ex utero human embryo has many potential 
scientific and therapeutic benefits. Among the most direct and 
immediate possible gains are the treatment of infertility and the 
advancement of preimplantation diagnosis of genetic and chromosomal 
abnormalities. Other research focusing on the processes of 
fertilization and implantation could clarify the causes of infertility. 
Studies of normal and abnormal early embryonic development could 
enhance understanding of the causes of pregnancy loss, birth defects, 
and the mechanisms of uncontrolled cell growth that occur in cancer. 
Other research efforts could be applied to the development of novel 
contraceptives. In the longer term, research on embryonic stem cells 
could have therapeutic applications in a broad range of areas, 
including bone marrow transplantation, repair of damaged tissues, and 
treatment of degenerative diseases of the nervous and muscular systems.
    The NIH has received a number of applications for support of 
research involving the ex utero human embryo as well as research 
involving parthenogenesis (the initiation of development of an ovum 
without sperm). Before proceeding with the consideration of specific 
human embryo research proposals for funding, the NIH must address the 
profound moral and ethical issues raised by the use of human embryos in 
research and develop guidelines to govern the review and conduct of 
Federally-funded research. The Human Embryo Research Panel was 
established to assist the NIH in this effort. The Panel's charge is to 
consider various areas of research involving the ex utero human embryo 
and provide advice as to those areas it views to be acceptable for 
Federal funding, areas that warrant additional review, and areas that 
are unacceptable for Federal support. For those areas of research 
considered acceptable for Federal funding, the Panel will recommend 
specific guidelines for the review and conduct of this research. Issues 
related to human germ-line gene modification are not within the Panel's 
purview. The Panel's final report will be presented to the ACD for 
review.
    During part of its first and second meeting, the Panel reviewed the 
wide range of scientific and human health benefits that could result 
from governmental support of research involving the ex utero human 
embryo. At the third meeting, Panel deliberations focused on issues 
related to the moral status of the human embryo and acceptability of 
areas of ex utero human embryo research; ethically acceptable sources 
of human embryos and oocytes, including informed consent requirements, 
issues raised by compensation of sperm/egg providers, and concerns 
regarding commercialization; and, appropriate mechanisms/levels of 
review of research proposals involving the ex utero human embryo. The 
fourth meeting of the Panel was devoted to the consideration of a 
preliminary draft of proposed guidelines.

Public Comment Process

    The NIH continues to seek public comment on these and other issues 
raised by Federal funding of human embryo research and encourages 
interested individuals and organizations to share with the Panel their 
views and perspectives on these important matters. Those who wish to 
submit written comments of any length should forward these to Steven 
Muller, Ph.D., Chair, NIH Human Embryo Research Panel,P c/o National 
Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building #1, room 218, 
Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
    Each meeting of the Panel has also provided an opportunity for 
interested individuals and organizations to make brief oral 
presentations to the Panel. To register to make an oral statement 
before the Panel, individuals and organizations should contact Ms. 
Peggy Schnoor at the NIH by telephoning 301-496-1454 or by sending a 
facsimile message to 301-402-0280 or 301-402-1759. Oral statements must 
not exceed five minutes in length, and a copy of the remarks should be 
forwarded to the above address one week in advance of the scheduled 
presentation date. Opportunities to present statements are limited and 
will be determined by the order in which requests are received.
    The NIH will endeavor to provide seating for all members of the 
public who wish to attend the meetings. To ensure that adequate seating 
is available for the public, individuals interested in attending the 
meeting are asked to notify the NIH by using the telephone or facsimile 
numbers listed above. Individuals who require special accommodations 
are also asked to contact Ms. Schnoor at the above number. General 
questions about the Panel or future meetings should also be directed to 
Ms. Schnoor.

    Dated: May 20, 1994.
Ruth L. Kirschstein, M.D.,
Deputy Director, NIH.
[FR Doc. 94-13484 Filed 6-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P