The laws covering in vitro fertilization and embryo research in Italy.

摘要

In recent years, the debate over the various possible uses of the embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization has often been prominent in the press and in television programs. In Italy, the so-called law number 40 (Legge 19 febbraio 2004, no. 40) concerning in vitro fertilization and research on embryos created much dissension among concerned members of the public, although in the last few months discussion seems to have abated. Briefly, the law states that no more than three embryos can be created and all three must be implanted into the uterus of the mother (to avoid a situation where a given embryo has no possible chance to give rise to an individual). Incidentally, it is curious that the wording used is 'create' and not 'generate'; the Nicene Creed (a prayer that contains statements of catholic faith established in Nicea in the year 325 ad) reads 'Genitum, nonfactum', that is begotten, not made.