Resignation of controversial Stem Cell leader highlights need for regulation and oversight of stem cell research

Press Statement

(This statement can be attributed to Dr. Marcy Darnovsky of the Center for Genetics and Society)

We see the recent revelations about the unethical procurement of women's eggs for research in South Korea as a dramatic illustration of the need for regulations that will protect women's health and prevent the emergence of a market in eggs.

One aspect of stem cell research requires women's eggs. If this approach becomes widely used, it raises the prospect of making women into guinea pigs, and doing so long before there are any treatments to be tested.

In the United States, there is no regulation of egg extraction for research purposes, and recently developed guidelines are entirely voluntary. We find this particularly worrisome because egg extraction for stem cell research would be taking place in an environment of overheated expectations for medical breakthroughs, growing commercial and political pressures for early results, and little oversight.

For more resources on egg extraction, please visit http://www.genetics-and-society.org/resources/background/eggextraction.html and for background on the dangers of egg extraction and recommended best practices please visit http://www.genetics-and-society.org/resources/background/eefactsheet.html.


Contact:

Marcy Darnovsky
1-510-625-0819 x305

Parita Shah
510-625-0819 x312