Using stem cell-derived gametes for same-sex reproduction: an alternative scenario

Abstract

It has been suggested that future application of stem-cell derived gametes (SCD-gametes) might lead to the possibility for same-sex couples to have genetically related children. Still, for this to become possible, the technique of gamete derivation and techniques of reprogramming somatic cells to a pluripotent state (directly or via somatic cell nuclear transfer) would have to be perfected. Moreover, egg cells would have to be derived from male cells and sperm cells from female cells, which is believed to be particularly difficult, if not impossible. We suggest a more plausible scenario to provide same-sex couples with the possibility to parent a child who is genetically related to both parents. Although technical feasibility is an advantage (also in terms of safety), disadvantages are that cooperation of a donor of the opposite sex is still required and that the partners are genetically linked to the resulting child in a different degree. However, since in our scenario the donor's genetic contribution would not outweigh any of the parents' genetic contribution, this alternative route may ease the fear for a possible parental claim by the donor. Like many other applications in the field of infertility treatment, the goal to create SCD-gametes for reproductive purposes is largely based on the high value attributed to genetic parenthood. Although we believe that genetic relatedness is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for 'good' parenthood, we do believe that many people may consider our scenario a welcome alternative.

Moral and Fictional Discourses on Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Current Responses, Future Scenarios

“…Further, the use of in vitro gametes would let more than two people have a biological child together, in that two people may produce an embryo, develop embryonic stem cells and then gametes usable to produce another embryo with the gametes of a third person [32]. It has been suggested that same-sex couples in particular may have more chances to derive gametes from embryos that were created by fertilization rather than through SCNT-ESCs or iPSCs; a method which "is presumably less complicated and less risky" ( [33], 689). In that case, the embryo would have the genetic traits of three people: If Pablo and Maria produced an embryo, sperm could be obtained from this embryo that could be used to produce an embryo with Ingrid's eggs.…”

Artificial Sperm: New Horizons in Procreation

“…With artificial sperm derived from cells other than male spermatogonia, single women can use these spermatozoa to fertilize their own oocytes, and same-sex female couples can have an offspring that carries the genetic information from both female partners. 14 Interestingly, a recently published study shows that while the hypothetical use by lesbian couples is accepted by as many as 68% of the public, the use of artificial sperm by single women wishing to mother a child who carries only their own genetic information without a male-derived genetic component is accepted by only 27%. 15 Ethically and socially, there are unresolved questions: should the use of artificial sperm be allowed based on technical feasibility, the risk of genetic abnormalities in the offspring, the risk of other adverse offspring-related outcomes, the subject’s personal wishes, society’s acceptance of such intervention, or on other factors?…”

Pathways to genetic parenthood for same-sex couples

“…Genetic relatedness seems to loom large in contemporary expectations, to judge by the interest in what synthetic gametes might offer 1. By contrast, Segers et al 2 express doubt that genetic relatedness between parent and child amounts to—from a moral point of view—anything terribly important. In consequence of this judgment, the scope and ambitions of contemporary fertility medicine to secure genetic relatedness of children seems beside the moral point.…”