Women with diseases like diabetes and cystic fibrosis should be encouraged to donate their eggs for experiments in therapeutic cloning, according to an Australian scientist. Professor Bob Williamson, of the University of Melbourne, says “it is totally appropriate ethically to look to people who have a disease in their family as the first person to participate in research. Who is more logical to participate in research in type one diabetes than young women who have type one diabetes?” Professor Williamson said that collecting eggs for research could become a problem and that eggs from disease-bearing women might help bridge the gap. The lobby group Women’s Forum Australia commented that egg collection posed serious risks to women’s health.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Michael Cook

Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.

Latest posts by Michael Cook (see all)

• How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
• House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
• Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021