Brussels, Belgium, Dec 3, 2008 / 00:10 am
Citing a patent convention which forbids patenting inventions which would be contrary to public order or morality, the European Union’s patent office has rejected a patent on the grounds that the application would involve the destruction of human embryos.
The patent involved the “WARF/Thomson stem cell application” filed by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation in 1995. The patent office appeal board ruled that it is not possible to grant a patent for an invention which necessarily involves the use and destruction of human embryos, LifeSite News reports.
The European Patent Convention (EPC) forbids patenting inventions whose commercial exploitation would be contrary to public order or morality.
Wesley Smith, a U.S. lawyer and bioethics writer told LifeSiteNews.com that the decision is the first indication from the EU that the moral status of the human embryo is an issue.
The patent office ruling does not outlaw the use of embryos in research, but Smith said it will “send a chill to those who would use embryos commercially.”
“In any event,” Smith continued, “let us hear no more about religious zealots imposing their will on rational modernists. Europe is as secular a culture as you will find in the world.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA