Embryo research: is disclosing commercial intent enough?

This article critically reviews legislative and ethical frameworks that regulate embryo research. Australian legislation for embryo research is currently being reviewed. It is a legal mandate that scientists disclose to embryo donors any intent to pursue commercial gain from altruistic donation. But scientists are also required to inform donors that, as donors, they too must not benefit financially. In the same political context, public subsidy for IVF treatment is under review. There is contradiction in values and indication of inequity in the Australian social context. IVF is undervalued, yet products derived from IVF embryos are imbued with public hope. Rather than regulate to balance this inequity, assumptions of altruism and attention to autonomy in legislative framework give it further scope. This article proposes that justice be addressed by acknowledging reproductive effort, and thereby embryo research be considered in terms of reciprocity. It further proposes regulation of commercial profit and the imposition of a redirected tax levy.