Title : Ethical consideration of IVG - A future face of reproduction
Abstract:
In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) is a controversial technology that allows doctors to reprogram cells from a patient's blood, skin, or hair to become gametes. These gametes can be used to create fertilized embryos. IVG could help people who are struggling with infertility and could eliminate the need for sperm or egg donors. Startup companies are using this as a new face of reproduction. However, IVG raises some ethical and legal concerns, such as:
- Using IVG for same sex/ solo reproduction is it ethical?
- Some may want children that share their genes.
- Some people are concerned about whether babies born via IVG will be healthy.
- Some people are concerned about whether reproducing "by oneself" in this way is a value that requires protection.
- Will this cut down true research?
IVG could also dramatically alter the practice of fertility medicine, including by reducing or eliminating procedures such as ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. IVG could facilitate creating many more human embryos, for research or clinical use, than current ART.
IVG is still 10 to 20 years away from being available to humans. Ethical consideration of IVG is also important to guide ongoing and future research.