| Summary: | <p>Human stem cell research (hSCR) is known as the future of medical intervention of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. It is one of the most rapidly progressing emerging technologies in the areas of science, with promising and potential benefits to develop therapy to cure many degenerative diseases that are incurable by the conventional medical procedures. Notwithstanding its importance, this field is rather controversial and ethically contentious as well as legally challenging. Malaysia is among the countries that recognise the importance of this technology. However, its current regulatory system does not seem adequate to ensure ethical compliance. In the light of this situation, one would question as to what would be the appropriate and suitable regulatory approach to this matter? What ought to be done to ensure this area progresses in an ethical fashion?</p> <p>This thesis was carried out with an aim to examine the regulatory landscape of this area, by looking at the roles and techniques of regulation and its application in hSCR arena across the globe, with a focus on Commonwealth countries. An empirical study was also undertaken, using qualitative interview methods, to find out more about Malaysia's system. The empirical findings obtained, supported by the comparative analysis between Malaysia's system and of other jurisdictions, suggest that Malaysia's framework is lacking of important regulatory measures that are necessary to secure compliance.</p> <p>This thesis concluded that to achieve an optimal regulatory outcome, the framework would require some improvements by adopting a combination of different regulatory techniques and strengthening its rules enforcement strategies. In addition, there are regulatory options have been identified to improve the current framework including legal transplants, however, there are challenges that need to be recognised.</p>
|
|---|