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Bioethical and legal issues in 3D bioprinting
human [5-7] and animal models [8-10] bioprinting, we of “human enhancement” , the issues of
[19]
became much closer to the ultimate goal. “technological design” youth extension, and
[20]
Now comes the next stage, which can be even “technological immortality” of a human
called the stage of “evangelism” which is the being. “Technological immortality” programs
demonstration of the possibilities of bioprinting can be divided into two groups: Rejuvenation
application for solving a number of problems in technologies (stopping the aging program) and
medicine. The bioprinting approach has already consciousness transfer technology (unloading of
been used to address problems in transplantology, the human personality). New organs bioprinting
regenerative medicine, and even in the field and replacing the old organs with them belongs to
of reproduction. Printed tissues are used in the rejuvenation technologies which raises the
[21]
experimental pharmacology research for drugs and question of indications and limits of application of
toxicity testing and in cosmetology [11,12] . Naturally, bioprinting technologies.
the prospect of replacing diseased organs with One of the first issues related to the development
healthy ones can be interpreted as a weal. It can not of organs and tissues bioprinting is the question of
only solve the issue of organ and tissue shortage the feasibility of developing these technologies
for transplantation but can also overcome a number and the moral validity of it. Why and for what
of ethical problems related to transplantation. The purpose are we ready to print organs? The answer
bioprinting technologies can also contribute to seems obvious, based on the need for organ
the emergence of a new paradigm in medicine – transplantation, the shortage of organ donation
personalized medicine , including personalized around the world. The development of technology
[13]
drug delivery . Successes in the field of bioprinting can help save the lives of a very large number
[14]
announce the promising possibility for replacing of people. The majority of governmental and
bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and internal organs international organizations now see this technology
(heart, kidneys, liver, etc.) in humans. Research as morally justified if it has a therapeutic effect.
is underway in the field of reproductive medicine As G. B. Yudin observes: “The main platform for
using bioprinting technologies, in particular, the justifying the widespread use of biotechnology
biofabrication of artificial ovaries [15-18] . is provided by the utilitarian philosophy.”
However, as for every new technology, the ethical Undoubtedly, there are gradations here – from
and legal norms of 3D bioprinting will have a long radical transhumanism, which recognizes no limits
way until they establish. In this work, we will address for technological improvement of a human being
the ethical and legal problems of human organ 3D (human enhancement), to more cautious versions,
bioprinting. We will highlight the issues of artificial which recognize the social risks of human change.
ovary biofabrication, as this unique technology In general, however, the utilitarian framework of
concerns not only patients’ health but also the health ethical thought is more inclined to protect human
and well-being of future offspring. In the end, we modification projects as they are driven by the
will formulate a number of recommendations for individual’s desire for self-improvement and a
the regulation of this field of scientific research and better life . The scope of medical biotechnologies
[22]
medical practice in the future. is becoming wider and increasingly blurred, and it
is already difficult to distinguish between therapy
2 Bioethical and legal issues of 3D bioprinting and human improvement . It is also very important
[23]
2.1 Current and possible directions of bioethical to pay attention to the speed at which these
discussions related to the emergence and technologies develop to identify and study ethical
development of 3D-bioprinting problems before a therapeutic 3D bioprinting is
ready for widespread use in patients .
[24]
The development of bioprinting technologies 3D bioprinting deserves special attention
raises deep questions related to the very as the utilization of viable cells in the printing
human nature, biotechnological projects process creates particular ethical and regulatory
8 International Journal of Bioprinting (2020)–Volume 6, Issue 3

