The problems of determining the legal status of the embryo and parthenogenetic stem cells in light of the development of genetic engineering

At the present stage of the development of genetic engineering, the question is raised about the legal status of a human embryo in connection with the commercialization and patenting of parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells. Aim: the article considers the main directions of developing criteria for distinguishing between cellular substances included in the definition of a human embryo, taking into account the latest achievements in the field of genetic engineering and judicial practice of the European Union. Methods: the author uses a comparative analysis of the main scientific achievements in the field of genetic engineering and emerging international practice of legal research in this field. Results: the author proves the importance of distinguishing between the definition of the concept of an embryo in terms of biology and genetics, and the consolidation of legal status and the need for legal protection, in order to avoid abuse of law and evasion of law in the commercial use of human stem cells and human embryos.