Ethics and Research Policies: Central Problems and Challenges: A Czechoslovakian perspective

Abstract

Czech law does not contain an express and systematic regulation of the civil status of the human body. But the main principles for its protection can be deduced. The present legal regulation does not forbid research on the human embryo and foetus—though the legal situation is not quite clear.

Research on man has a limited scope but under severe conditions is admissible. International law has priority over national Czech law.

Motto: “Is it possible to achieve a balance between interests that guarantee both freedom of research and full respect for values such as human dignity and individual liberty?”

(S. Rodota, at the XXth colloquy on European law in Glasgow, 1990)

Key words:

• Status of the human body
• research on the embryo
• foetus and man