Cloning Could Kill

One of the least covered but fundamental problems associated with human cloning is the need to use human eggs—one egg for each cloning try. Obtaining eggs involves an onerous process known as super ovulation, in which a woman is administered high doses of hormones to induce her ovaries to release 10-15 eggs in her cycle instead of the usual one. The eggs are then obtained surgically, usually by inserting a needle through the vaginal wall. This can be a dangerous procedure, leading to potential side effects such as infection, sterility, and in a few cases such as this tragic example, death. No wonder many feminists oppose human cloning as a technology that could lead directly to the exploitation of women.