Stem Cell Research Legislation

Research involving embryonal stem cells is regulated in Switzerland by the Stem Cell Research Act (StRA). This stipulates the conditions under which stem cells may be obtained and used in research.  

The Federal Act of 19 December 2003 on Research Involving Embryonic Stem Cells (Stem Cell Research Act, StRA) came into force on 1 March 2005.

The Ordinance on Research involving Embryonic Stem Cells (Stem Cell Research Ordinance, SCRO) was amended and adopted by the Federal Council on 7 June 2024. The amendments enter into force on 1 November 2024. The amendments are purely editorial changes that are not expected to have any impact on researchers. Further information is available at Current legislative project: Revision of Ordinances. At the same time as adopting the partial revision of the SCRO, the Federal Council instructed the FDHA to revise the Stem Cell Research Act (StRA) and submit a draft bill to it by the end of 2026.

The StRA makes it legal in Switzerland to obtain, under certain conditions, stem cells from "surplus" human embryos for research purposes. It also permits the import of embryonic stem cell lines from abroad for research purposes.

To the Act: SR 810.31 Stem Cell Research Act, StRA

To the Ordonnance: SR 810.311 Stem Cell Research Ordinance, SCRO

Documents

Botschaft zum Bundesgesetz über die Forschung an überzähligen Embryonen und embryonalen Stammzellen (PDF, 605 kB, 20.11.2002)(only available in German, French and Italian)

Erläuternder Bericht zur Verordnung über die Forschung an embryonalen Stammzellen (PDF, 95 kB, 07.01.2004)(only available in German, French and Italian)

Further information

Last modification 07.06.2024