The process of in vitro fertilization produces a large number of eggs in the hopes that one will turn in to a baby. This means that each individual who uses IVF creates a large number of eggs that go unused. Some women are offering to use those eggs to contribute to scientific developments in areas of medicine that have nothing to do with fertility. For example, unused IVF eggs are being used by stem cell researchers who wouldn’t otherwise be able to continue their research due to the lack of available cells for study.
The way that it works is that the unused eggs are used to grow a large number of stem cells. These stem cells can then be researched. This is particularly beneficial in states which are highly restrictive about stem cell research. It opens up an option for doctors to continue their research without the ethical issues that concern many legislators. In addition, eggs can be used to create stem cells that have a particular patient’s DNA which may be useful in cloning body parts that are needed to heal the patient. This type of research is banned in some areas and remains controversial but it does open up one option for the unused eggs coming out of IVF.
