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Paid to share: IVF patients, eggs and stem cell research

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  • Roberts, Celia
  • Throsby, Karen

Abstract

Following a recent decision by the human fertilisation and embryology authority (HFEA), British women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment can be 'paid to share' their eggs with stem cell researchers. The HFEA and the clinic proposing the scheme present this as a 'win-win' arrangement benefiting both infertile women and couples and British science. It is also represented as concurrently both 'business as usual' and an exceptional case. Constituting a significant departure from the previous policy and practice of altruistic donation, the scheme has raised significant concerns among clinicians and activists. Here, we ask what questions feminists can bring to these debates without resorting to a position of either refusal or affirmation. Drawing on diverse materials from public debates, as well as social scientific literature on gamete and embryo donation, we undertake a close analysis of the discursive framing and justification of the proposal. We argue that these discourses are characterised by three linked areas of elision and distinction: treatment and research; eggs and embryos; and donation and selling. Our analysis highlights the need for innovative social, ethical and political consideration of egg sharing for stem cell research.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberts, Celia & Throsby, Karen, 2008. "Paid to share: IVF patients, eggs and stem cell research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 159-169, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:66:y:2008:i:1:p:159-169
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Parry, Sarah, 2006. "(Re)constructing embryos in stem cell research: Exploring the meaning of embryos for people involved in fertility treatments," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(10), pages 2349-2359, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Waldby, Catherine & Kerridge, Ian & Boulos, Margaret & Carroll, Katherine, 2013. "From altruism to monetisation: Australian women's ideas about money, ethics and research eggs," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 34-42.
    2. Ehrich, Kathryn & Williams, Clare & Farsides, Bobbie, 2010. "Fresh or frozen? Classifying 'spare' embryos for donation to human embryonic stem cell research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(12), pages 2204-2211, December.

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