Human brain organoid research raises a range of ethical, legal, and social issues that extend beyond the widely discussed possibility of consciousness. These issues differ depending on whether the organoids are used for in vitro research, transplanted into non-human animals, or applied in biocomputing. Navigating this complex landscape requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates ethical, legal, and social perspectives.
Human brain organoids—three-dimensional tissue masses derived from stem cells that partially mimic the human brain—raise ethical concerns, especially the possibility that they might become conscious. This uncertainty challenges the validity of donor consent, as donors may not be adequately informed about potential consciousness and moral significance. Additionally, the risk of harm to organoids themselves questions the scope of donor autonomy. To address these issues, three consent-procedure proposals are offered: obtain project-specific rather than broad consent, assure donors that protective measures will be taken for organoids during research, and fulfill those assurances through precautionary measures.