Recognizing the numerous ethical and moral quandaries posed by the concept of stem cell research,
Further recognizing the innumerable potential medical benefits that may arise from further inquiry into stem cell research,
Realizing that religious and moral views often characterize a nation's position on subjects like stem cell research,
Seeking to maximize national sovereignty in the realm of scientific research with minimum impediment upon the moral and religious convictions of states,
1. Defines "stem cell research" for the purposes of this resolution as the study of an undifferentiated cell of a multi-cellular organism that is capable of
(a) giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type,
(b) which certain other kinds of cell arise by differentiation,
2. Declares stem cell research to be a legitimate form of scientific inquiry, subject to World Assembly ethical standards and regulations and the rigors of peer review;
3. Urges states to permit stem cell research;
4. Further urges states and all political subdivisions therein to establish protocols for the acquisition of stem cells in a timely, safe and efficient manner;
5. Mandates the cells used in research be obtained:
(a) In an ethical manner, without compulsion or physical duress and psychological duress,
(b) obtained in a painless manner as possible,
(b) only from voluntary donors, unless an agreement between donor and recipient is reached,
6. Clarifies that nothing in this resolution shall be misconstrued as mandating the permission of stem cell research.
