Research should not only benefit the researchers. People who participate in research should also be compensated for the contributions.
When it comes to stem cells, the ways that informed consent has been obtained in the past are not sufficient and improvements are needed.
South Africa has no legislation setting out the rules for biobanks and the guidelines that do exist are not clear or detailed. This leaves the door wide open for unethical practises.
Unless the South African government tightens its laws that govern stem cell treatments, unproven stem cell therapy will continue to surge.
Many countries are introducing legislation and allowing practitioners to use medication still undergoing trials but that show preliminary signs of being safe, including some stem cell treatments.
South Africa may have legislation broadly guiding stem cell research and treatment, but these laws must be updated and clarified for it to be effective.
Stem cell research and therapy have become buzzwords across the globe. Although some of the treatments are controversial and unsafe, there is also a great deal of excitement and promise.
Stem cell research and therapy has taken the world by storm. Here's what you need to know about it.