The need to pay egg donors for use in therapeutic cloning/Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) research

Therapeutic cloning/somatic cell nuclear transfer research was legalised in Australia when the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (Cth) was amended in 2006. Human eggs are in demand as they are vital components for the research and one of the issues being debated is whether egg donors should be paid. Presently in Australia, the provision of monetary payment to these donors is prohibited. This article argues that egg donors should be paid for their significant contributions to this important research and in the formulation of an appropriate regulatory framework, there should be adequate safeguards to protect their interests.