Abstract
A number of recent papers have described the successful derivation of egg and sperm precursor cells from mouse embryonic stem cells—so-called “artificial” gametes. Although many scientific questions remain, this research suggests numerous new possibilities for stem cell research and assisted reproductive technology, if a similar breakthrough is achieved with human embryonic stem cells. The novel opportunities raised by artificial gametes also prompt new ethical questions, such as whether same-sex couples should be able to access this technology to have children who are genetically related to them both.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 184-186 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Journal of Medical Ethics |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2005 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Ethics, Research
- Female
- Germ Cells
- Humans
- Infertility
- Male
- Mice
- Parenting
- Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
- Stem Cells