Stem Cell Research Ordinance (SCRO)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Determination of the surplus status of an embryo
If an embryo cannot be used to establish a pregnancy, the physician treating a couple in connection with an assisted reproduction procedure shall inform the couple: a. that it is a surplus embryo; b. why the embryo has become surplus; and c. that the surplus embryo will be destroyed unless it is used, subject to the conditions specified in the StRA, for the derivation of stem cells with a view to the conduct of a research project (stem cell derivation) or for a research project aimed at improving derivation methods.
let. c — Term in accordance with No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325). This change has been made throughout the text.
Art. 2 Information to be provided for the couple concerned prior to consent
1 If a licence has been obtained for stem cell derivation or for a research project aimed at improving derivation methods, the physician shall verbally inform the couple concerned, in a comprehensible manner: a. about the nature, purpose and expected starting date of the research project concerned; b. about the couple’s rights under Article 5 paragraph 3 StRA and under paragraph 3 of this Article and under Article 3 paragraph 2; c. about the non-commercialism specified in Article 4 StRA; d. about the measures provided for in Article 27 to protect the couple’s personal data; e. that third parties may acquire rights to stem cells or products derived therefrom, without any entitlements accruing to the couple as a result; f. that it is possible for stem cells or products derived therefrom to be used in clinical research and practice, without any entitlements accruing to the couple as a result; g. that, under Article 9 paragraph 1 letter c StRA, the stem cells derived may be passed on for o
Para. 1 let. a — Amended by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325). Para. 1 let. b — Amended by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325). Para. 1 let. e — Amended by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325). Para. 1 let. h — Amended by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325). Para. 4 — Repealed by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, with effect from 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325).
Art. 3 Consent
1 By signing the declaration of consent, the couple concerned certify that they have received the information specified in Article 2 and that they consent to the use of the surplus embryo for stem cell derivation or for a research project aimed at improving derivation methods. 2 The couple must be allowed an appropriate period for reflection on the decision concerning consent.
Art. 3 — Amended by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325).
Art. 4 Consequences of refusal or revocation of consent
If consent is withheld or revoked by the couple concerned, or by one member thereof, this must not prejudice the couple’s subsequent treatment in the assisted reproduction procedure.
Art. 4 — Amended by No I of the O of 7 June 2024, in force since 1 Nov. 2024 (AS 2024 325).