Ethical reflections on stem cell-derived gametes

Abstract

This review explores the relevant ethical questions that are raised by the potential creation and use of stem cell derived sperm and egg cells (SCD-gametes), otherwise known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG). We focus on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into gametes. This possible future technology is believed to serve both basic science and clinical use, especially in the field of assisted reproduction. The creation of SCD-gametes could overcome the short supply of oocytes available for research, and as such promote scientific knowledge about diseases as well as about human reproduction. With respect to therapy, IVG could enable various groups of people who would otherwise be dependent on donor gametes to have genetically related offspring. However, these prospects also raise moral issues related to the instrumentalisation (and destruction) of human embryos, the physical and psychological wellbeing of the future offspring who would be born via this technology, and how far one should go to accommodate the goal of having genetically related offspring. This includes related questions about fairness and access to IVG as well as concerns that this technology might be used for applications beyond clinical infertility. We give an overview of the various moral questions this raises.