Conseil Constitutionnel (2021-821 DC, 29 JULY 2021). Recherches sur l’embryon, droit, éthique

Abstract

In this decision on 29^th July 2021, the French Constitutional Council declares in conformity with the Constitution the innovations instituted by the legislator: the right to carry out research for improving knowledge of human biology, the right to create transgenic or chimeric embryos. The Constitutional Council adopts a self-restraint position, granting the legislator ample discretionary freedom in terms of ethical choices. This decision is important since it allows to reflect both on the status of the embryo with regard to free scientific research and on the principle of human dignity.