Can you imagine? In the early stages of human life, there was a stage where human life was only 14 days of freedom. After this time, human life will be artificially terminated, which is called in vitro human embryo research. In vitro human embryo studies can help us understand the origin and development of human beings, and can also provide the possibility of some diseases or defects. However, this kind of research is also subject to a strict limitation, which is the "14-day rule" for in vitro human embryo research. The "14-day rule" for in vitro human embryo research is an internationally recognized ethical norm that sets a time limit for in vitro human embryo research. According to this rule, in vitro human embryos can only be studied within 14 days of fertilization, after which the experiment must be terminated and the embryos destroyed.
The emergence of this rule is mainly based on two considerations: one is scientific consideration, and the other is ethical consideration. From a scientific point of view, 14 days is a point of special significance until the point in time when in vitro human embryos were still at a relatively simple stage. At this stage, the embryo has not yet formed a nervous system and has not produced any sensations or consciousness. And after 14 days, the embryo enters a complex stage, in which the embryo begins to form "primitive stripes", the structure of the primitive stripes is formed, which is the dividing point between the pre-embryonic and embryonic stages, and also marks the beginning of the development of the embryonic endomesoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm, from this time, the development of the embryo becomes more complex and closer to the human morphology. Therefore, 14 days is considered a natural dividing line and a scientific basis.
With the development of embryo culture technology, there are different voices and positions in society regarding the extension of the time window for the study of the "14-day rule", and it is difficult to reach a consensus. From an ethical point of view, the in vitro human embryo is the origin of human life, it has unlimited potential and dignity, and should be respected and protected. Once the decision is made to extend it, the study window may be extended frequently, even until the fetus is born, creating an irreversible situation.
On the other hand, from a scientific point of view, in vitro human embryo research is a useful scientific exploration. Extending the research window can make a huge contribution to human health and well-being. So what do you think about whether to extend the "Rule of 14"?