Ethical and Social Implications of In Vitro Gametogenesis

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Project Summary This project concerns the ethical and social implications of the novel technology of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG). IVG involves generation of gametes outside of the body from stalled gamete precursor cells, or from somatic cells made into egg or sperm cells using induced pluripotent stem cell techniques. Mouse models have provided proof of concept, suggesting that in the future IVG may be successful in humans. In addition to its promise for basic research, IVG represents a potential major innovation in the field of assisted reproduction. In particular, the technique may benefit infertile individuals lacking healthy gametes, and same-sex couples and transgender individuals seeking to form a family without depending on donor gametes. By dramatically expanding possibilities for human reproduction, IVG stands to profoundly transform definitions of family, inheritance, parenthood and filiation, with both symbolic and concrete consequences. Anticipatory investigation of IVG’s multifarious ethical and social implications is warranted now, prior to the attainment of the technique’s feasibility for human use. IVG would require the controversial step of creating and culturing human embryos in the laboratory for research purposes, and is thus an issue of research ethics. Its use as a reproductive technology poses ethical dilemmas tied to the requirement to fairly balance parents and children’s interests, equity of access, and the extensive use of genomic technologies. Novel forms of reproductive labor and family- making will present new social challenges to families, communities, and policy-makers. While scientists and bioethicists have begun to initiate conversations around the ethics and social impact of IVG, data on stakeholder views is scant. The proposed project addresses this gap, eliciting and analyzing perceptions and attitudes of IVG researchers and potential future users of IVG for reproductive purposes. It will be the first empirical study to systematically address the ethical and social implications of IVG in American society. Importantly, the project team includes expertise in stem cell science, social science, and philosophy, facilitating success in achieving the following specific aims: First, we will assess the views of IVG researchers as to the field’s clinical, technological, social, and ethical implications via interviews and participant-observation. Second, we will examine the views, expectations, and moral concerns about IVG held by potential users, focusing on the populations of individuals experiencing infertility and LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Third, we will perform an in-depth, normative analysis of the social and ethical issues identified in aims 1 and 2, using the tools of philosophical inquiry. This study responds to calls to explore and anticipate the social impact of biotechnologies. It will constitute a first step supporting public engagement and broad reflection on the implications of IVG, providing initial data important to further design of larger generalizable studies on the ethical, legal, and social implications of IVG.