Assisted Same-Sex Reproduction: The Promise of Haploid Stem Cells?

Abstract

Same-sex couples, not unlike their heterosexual counterparts, would prefer having a genetically related child. However, assisted same-sex human reproduction has heretofore been deemed infeasible absent haploid cellular analogs of human gametes. Recent developments, however, may have overcome this limitation through the derivation of haploid embryonic stem cells (hapESCs). Undifferentiated, pluripotent, self-renewing, and stably haploid, hESCs have also displayed germline competence. It is in this capacity that murine hESCs, doubling up as de facto gametes, gave rise to bimaternal and bipaternal progeny. Herein we argue that assisted same-sex human reproduction, although potentially attainable at this time, is still years away from the clinic. In support of this perspective, we note the significant technical, regulatory, statutory, and societal hurdles that stand in the way of near-term implementation.