The Regulation of Human Germline Genome Modification in Italy

The chapter first discusses the general regulatory environment for scientific work involving human germline genome modification. After having introduced the hierarchy of norms in the Italian legal system, it considers in detail relevant provisions of the Italian Constitution, European Union (EU) law, international treaties ratified by Italy, and Law 40/2004. The second part of the chapter aims at assessing whether and to what extent research using human germline genome modification technologies, as well as clinical applications of such techniques, is permitted under the Italian legal system. Finally, it offers some remarks on future perspectives.