Ethical Aspects of the Use of Stem Cell Derived Gametes for Reproduction |
| |
Authors: | Heidi Mertes Guido Pennings |
| |
Institution: | (1) Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;(2) Blandijnberg 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium |
| |
Abstract: | A lot of interest has been generated by the possibility of deriving gametes from embryonic stem cells and bone marrow stem
cells. These stem cell derived gametes may become useful for research and for the treatment of infertility. In this article
we consider prospectively the ethical issues that will arise if stem cell derived gametes are used in the clinic, making a
distinction between concerns that only apply to embryonic stem cell derived gametes and concerns that are also relevant for
gametes derived from adult stem cells. At present, it appears preferable to use non-embryonic stem cells for the derivation
of gametes. Adult stem cell derived gametes do not present any problems with regard to the moral status of the human embryo,
bypass the safety risks linked to SCNT and do not present any ambiguity or novel problems with regard to informed consent,
psychological consequences for the child or genetic parenthood. A remaining ethical concern, however, regards the safety of
the procedure in terms of the welfare of the resulting children. This should spark a thorough reflection on how far one must
go to accommodate a person’s wish to have a genetically related child. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|