Cases illustrating the exclusion of women in biomedical research, experimental treatment and maternal fetal surgery, human reproductive cloning, and embryonic stem cell research are presented. For each topic, empirical and theoretical factors are discussed from an “egalitarian perspective” that imputes privileged status to the standpoint of those who are “nondominant”. Implications of different positions about moral status of embryos and fetuses, and about people born with disabilities are also considered.
Keywords: biomedical research, experimental treatment, women as research subjects, pregnant women, reproductive cloning, embryonic stem cells, disabilities, maternal-fetal surgery, egalitarian perspective, dominant standpoint