The regulation of cybrids and chimaeras

Development of human-animal combinations, whereby human and animal cells (or parts thereof) are combined, is of value for research into early embryonic development. At some stage, it may be possible to use these combinations to grow human organs for transplantation. In order to judge which studies are acceptable, ethical and societal implications need to be weighed. Are there concerns for human dignity; is animal welfare guaranteed; does the importance of the research outweigh the disadvantages and risks for animal of human? Part of the human-animal combinations are currently regulated in the Embryo Act, others are not. The council recommends the enactment of a broad regulation for the judgment of human-animal combinations and other controversial biotechnological developments.