Avard D., Samuël J., Knoppers B.M. (eds.), "Paediatric Research in Canada", Paediatric Research in Canada (Montreal: Les Éditions Thémis, 2009) 270pp
Abstract: [None available]

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Bouffard C., Viville S., Knoppers B.M., "Genetic diagnosis of embryos: Clear explanation, not rhetoric, is needed",
Abstract: Embryonic research and genetic testing continue to raise concerns. With controversy comes debate and,sometimes, distortion of facts through the use of loaded terms and concepts that call to mind both historical events and science fiction. Achieving greater public understanding of genetic diagnosis of embryos, known generally as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, has implications for the development of regulations and health policies for a broad field that includes genomics, reproductive genetics and embryonic research. We examine the debate about genetic testing and embryonic research with particular reference to the use of words and concepts that have distorted public and scientific discourse in ways that could have a negative influence of laws and regulations for new reproductive technologies generally.

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Bucci L.M., Stanton-Jean M., "Toward a Policy Framework on Nanomedicine: A Canadian Perspective", Novelty or Disguise? Regulation and Policy-making in Nanotechnology (Italy: Neos Edizioni s.r.l., 2009)
Abstract: Nanomedicine (NM) is changing the way we understand healthcare and health services by bringing new drug delivery systems, real time diagnostic testing, in vivo medical imaging, and maybe in the near future, regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, the NM industry is expanding without any restrictions. In Canada, initiatives toward a broader policy framework for NM are still in their infancy but have so far paid little attention to the analysis of models and how they could provide insight into developing a conceptual framework for analyzing NM issues. This paper addresses this gap and identifies as well as examines three health services models- the medical model, the public health model and the fundamental rights model- that could inform a future NM policy framework in Canada. The overall aim of this paper is to discuss the relevant risks associated with NM within the Canadian context, explore the three models and discuss their appropriateness to Canada.

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Caulfield T., Zarzeczny A., McCormick J., Bubela T., Joly Y., Isasi R. et al, "International stem cell environments: A world of difference", (2009) Nature Reports Stem Cells, doi:10.1038/stemcells.2009.61 
Abstract: [None available]

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Caulfield T., Zarzeczny A., McCormick J., Joly Y., Isasi R. et al, "The Stem Cell Research Environment: A Patchwork of Patchworks", (2009) 5:2 Stem Cell Rev. and Rep., 82
Abstract: Few areas of recent research have received as much focus or generated as much excitement and debate as stem cell research. Hope for the therapeutic promise of this field has been matched by social concern associated largely with the sources of stem cells and their uses. This interplay between promise and controversy has contributed to the important as we enter this new era of stem cell research. The current progression towards translational and clinical research among international collaborators serves as a catalyst for identifying potential policy conflict and makes it imperative to address jurisdictional variability in stem cell research environments. The existing patchworks seen in contemporary stem cell research environments provide a valuable opportunity to consider how variations in regulations and policies across and within jurisdictions influence research efficiencies and directions. In one sense, the stem cell research context can be viewed as a living experiment occurring across the globe. The lessons to be gleaned from examining this field have great potential for broad-ranging general science policy application.

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Grégoire G., Alemdjrodo R., Chagnon A., "La discrimination génétique et l'assurance-vie : les mesures de protection actuelles suffisent-elles?", (2009) 14:1 Lex Electronica, 1
Abstract: [Available in French only]

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Isasi R.M., Knoppers B.M., "Governing stem cell banks and registries: Emerging issues", (2009) 3:2-3 Stem Cell Res., 96, online: URL
Abstract: The expansion of national and international research efforts in stem cell research is increasingly paired with the trend of establishing stem cell banks and registries. In jurisdictions crossing the spectrum of restrictive to liberal stem cell policies, banks and registries are emerging as an essential resource for transnational access to quality-controlled and ethically sourced stem cell lines. In this study, we report the preliminary findings of a survey of stem cell banks participating in the International Stem Cell Forum's International Stem Cell Banking Initiative (ISCBI). The questionnaire circulated to all ISCBI members addressed both general issues surrounding research policies (e.g., national policies regulating the permissibility of conducting embryonic stem cell research (hESCR)) and, more specifically, issues relating to the governance of stem cell banking projects. The results of the questionnaire were complemented by scholarly research conducted by the authors. This article provides an overview of the current international hESC banking landscape (I). For this purpose, the policy and governance approaches adopted in the surveyed stem cell banks at the national level will be analyzed and areas of convergence and variance will be identified (II).Finally, while our analysis is focused on research grade hESCs, the lessons to be gleaned from this examination will encourage further thought, analysis, and research into the issues raised in the banking and governance of other sources of stem cell lines (e.g., SCNT, parthenogenesis, iPs) (IV).

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Knoppers B.M., Laberge C., "Return of Accurate and Actionable Results: Yes", (2009) 9:6-7: AJOB, 107
Abstract: [None available]

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Nycum G., Knoppers B.M., Avard D., "Intra-familial Obligations to Communicate Genetic Risk Information: What Foundations? What Forms?", (2009) 3 McGill Journal of Law and Health, 21
Abstract: Genetic information is not only personal information, it is also familial as well as universal. Although most individuals who undergo genetic testing report feeling some obligation to communicate their results with family members, such communication is highly context specific and will be shaped by many factors, including the type of genetic condition at issue (i.e., a single-gene or multifactorial genetic condition), familial relationships, individual personalities and perceptions of what is in the family’s best interest. Moreover, the foundation and forms for such an obligation are not clear. How would such an obligation be grounded? Is it a moral obligation? Is it a legal obligation? This article explores the possible foundations and forms for an intra-familial obligation to communicate genetic information. Such an obligation is not created in any legislative regime worldwide and, moreover, it would be difficult to make out a claim for civil liability under Canadian common law and Quebec civil law rules. It is therefore important for policy makers to address this issue and clarify whether there is or is not a legal obligation to communicate genetic information within families.

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Rothstein M.A., Joly Y., "Genetic Information and Insurance Underwriting: Contemporary Issues and Approaches in the Global Economy", in Atkinson P., Glasner P. & Lock M., eds., The Handbook of Genetics & Society: Mapping the New Genomic Era (London and New York: Routledge, 2009), Chapter 10, pp. 127-144
Abstract: [None available]

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Tassé A.M., Petit É., Godard B., "Differences in Regulatory Frameworks Governing Genetic Laboratories in Four Countries", (2009) 37 Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 351
Abstract: [None available]

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