In one niche, the risk to women is too great

Not all stem cell research is in women's best interest.

The issue of embryonic stem cell research has long been clouded by certain activists — notably those from conservative Christian groups — who seek to stop all such research because it involves destruction of an embryo. In contrast, many pro-choice women’s health advocates like my own organization have long supported most embryonic stem cell research. But there is a small subset of this research we oppose — somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT, also called embryo cloning or research cloning) — because of substantial concerns about health risks for the women who provide the fresh eggs that this research demands.

As part of SCNT, the nucleus of an egg (from an egg donor) is removed, and the nucleus of an adult stem cell is inserted in its place. By contrast, conventional embryonic stem cell research utilizes otherwise discarded embryos from fertility clinics, and does not require freshly harvested eggs, where women undergo the risks of egg extraction solely for research purposes. This distinction is crucial.

Because thousands of women regularly undergo...