Research involving human subjects – including the study of human reproductive tissues, cells and fluids – has been and will continue to be essential for scientific advancement. For example, organ biopsies (such as cervix, ovary, uterus, testes, prostate, placenta and so on), cell lines developed and maintained in laboratories derived from both normal and abnormal reproductive tissues, and sampling of reproductive fluids (such as semen, cervical mucus, uterine and amniotic fluid) have contributed to both the understanding of normal reproductive physiology and pregnancy as well as the pathogenesis of disease. Modern contraceptive methods, the human papillomavirus vaccine, the Papanicolaou test, amniocentesis, regimens for the treatment of reproductive cancers and advanced reproductive technologies for infertility are examples of the diverse preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic innovations resulting from studies of human reproductive tissues.