Roberts, Celia, 1968- and Throsby, Karen, 1968-. (2008) Paid to share : IVF patients, eggs and stem cell research. Social Science & Medicine, Vol.66 (No.1). pp. 159-169. ISSN 0277-9536

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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. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Fertilization in vitro, Human, Human reproductive technology -- Moral and ethical aspects, Stem cells -- Research -- Moral and ethical aspects, Ovum -- Transplantation, Gametes
Journal or Publication Title:	Social Science & Medicine
Publisher:	Pergamon
ISSN:	0277-9536
Date:	January 2008
Volume:	Vol.66
Number:	No.1
Number of Pages:	11
Page Range:	pp. 159-169
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.08.011
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/30738

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