Is there a valid ethical objection to the clinical use of in vitro-derived gametes?

Abstract

Advancements in the field of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) have led to the induction of viable germ cells from stem cells in the mouse, and considerable progress has been made towards achieving the same ends using human cells. While this has the potential to revolutionise reproductive therapies, ethical issues have been raised. This essay outlines the importance of distinguishing between safety concerns and ethical objections when considering whether IVG ought to be permitted for use in human reproduction. The strongest ethical objections against reproductive IVG posed in the literature are then put forth and argued against. Four objections are discussed: the argument that it is ethically suspect due to its facilitation of new kinds of parenthood; the argument that it could supposedly encourage embryo farming, selective breeding and designer baby creation; the slippery slope argument; and the argument from natural law. It is concluded that even the strongest of these arguments does not represent a valid ethical objection to the use of IVG in human reproduction. For this reason, it is proposed that IVG ought to be used in the clinic once safety issues have been overcome.