Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council appointed a committee to access the current state of knowledge of the medical risks of human oocyte (unfertilized egg cell) donation for stem cell research.

As part of its activity, the committee conducted a public workshop on September 28, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss and explore the most recent data on the potential risks associated with oocyte donation. The goal was to assess and explore the nature and magnitude of risks, evaluating areas where more data are required, and assessing what is known about the potential for reducing risks through changes in procedures. The workshop focused on the scientific and medical data (e.g., on the potential risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, compromised future fertility, psychological consequences, and increased risk of ovarian cancer), and not focus on ethical and policy issues.

Based on the workshop, the Committee prepared a summary of the current state of knowledge of the medical risks of human oocyte donation for stem cell research.