الأطر القانونية لاستخدام الخلايا الجزعية في ضوء القانون رقم 5 لسنة 2016

Abstract EN

Stem cells are the basic cells that make up the human body, and scientists now call them master cells because they can be transformed into any kind of body cells when treated in special lab conditions.

Scientists today are considering the use of these cells as an alternative to organ transplantation and as a treatment for a number of chronic diseases and other diseases that have no treatment.

In this research, I have tried to explain the way these cells work and how they are used.

Specialists confirm that they have the ability to evolve into heart cells, liver cells, kidney cells, blood cells, and bone cells.

They are also used to treat many stubborn diseases such as cancer, diabetes, renal or hepatic failure, as well as heart failure.

The procedure consists in repairing the organs or tissues that are damaged by disease, aging or trauma, after which the organ regains its function or at least improves without the need for surgery which involves risks associated with anesthesia, surgical instruments or human error.

Doctors use several methods to obtain these cells for the purpose of treatment.

They may extract from the human body, obtain them from labs or use drugs to stimulate the already-existing stem cells in tissues to contribute more effectively in repairing the damaged tissue.

In view of the close link between medicine and law and due to the fact that law is not synchronized with medical development, it has become necessary for law jurists, and for the Emirati legislator in particular, to develop legal regulations for scientific research and medical treatment related to stem cells.

These regulations which may be related to the methods of obtaining these cells from various sources, namely embryos or the umbilical cord, for the purpose of treatment, must determine the legal obligations associated with the procedures of each stage..

This study involved two main parts.

In the first part, I explained the legal concept of stem cells, discussed the legitimacy of their use, explained the ways of accessing them and identified the types of stem cells, which can be classified into three categories: full-capacity, high-capacity, and multiple-capacity cells.

In the second part, I explained the doctor’s obligations in using stem cells, determined his/her obligations in obtaining them, whether from the umbilical cord, the human embryo, or the adult human body, as well as his/her obligations in preserving stem cells and using them for treatment.

I ended the discussion with a suggestion of legislative amendment to two articles of Law 5 of 2016.