Imagine a world where you can create eggs and sperm in a lab to have a baby from your own genetic material or even collaborate with three other people. It may seem like something out of a sci-fi film, but this idea is being explored by the UK’s fertility regulators.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) believes that the technology to make lab-grown human gametes could soon be a reality, with advancements moving fast thanks to investment from tech companies.
Scientists are working on in-vitro gametes (IVGs), which are lab-created eggs and sperm made from skin or stem cells. This breakthrough could erase age limits on conception and help same-sex couples have biological kids. However, it also raises big ethical and medical questions.
Peter Thompson, the CEO of HFEA, mentioned that IVGs could greatly expand the options available for those struggling with fertility issues. They could help men with low sperm counts and women with fewer eggs.
The conversation about IVGs also dove into topics like “solo parenting,” where one person would provide both the egg and sperm. Experts warned that this could lead to serious genetic risks, as the offspring would lack a second genetic copy to counteract possible mutations. Frances Flinter, a genetics professor, cautioned against this, comparing it to potential incest.
On the other hand, “multiplex parenting” might be more acceptable. This setup involves two couples working together to create embryos, which could then produce lab-grown eggs and sperm for a final embryo. This approach has some social acceptance since it resembles blended families.
However, with greater control over embryo creation comes the risk of eugenics—selecting for certain traits, something that is mostly controlled in the UK. Potentially, less regulated areas could mistakenly allow for this practice, leading to ethical nightmares.
Thompson noted that while research on IVGs is speeding up, clear timelines for their use in treatments are still uncertain. He emphasized the need for careful regulations to avoid dangerous uses of this technology. Ultimately, changes in fertility law will be decided by parliament.
