Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Legal and Ethical Issues in the UK
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a widely accepted practice in the United Kingdom (UK). The relatively liberal UK law permits donation both within families and from strangers, and even allows the creation of “saviour siblings” who are brought into being with the specific intent of having them donate stem cells to save other members of their family. This chapter describes the regulation of HSCT in the UK and highlights some ethical issues related to discrimination against some categories of potential donors, the accuracy of the information provided to potential donors, and the controversy concerning saviour siblings.