The document is an editorial introduction to the special issue of Mutation Research, entitled 'Female Germ Cells: Biology and Genetic Risk'. The issue is a collection of papers that emphasizes the distinct properties of female germ cells and their characteristic response to mutagens. The potential for contributing faulty or damaged genetic material that may result in the death or ill health of the offspring is shared by both parents. Thus, it is remarkable that nearly all studies on the chemical induction of transmissible genetic damage have been conducted on male germ cells. This imbalance of research is largely due to the difficulty and inconvenience of studying induced genetic damage in female germ cells. The papers in this special issue call attention to the need for expanded research on genetic risk, and particularly the impact on the reproductive health of women.