title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Seppe
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Segers
authors.affiliation: Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mertes
authors.affiliation: Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pennings
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Research Schools CAPHRI and GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: de Wert
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Research Schools CAPHRI and GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Wybo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Dondorp
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011247:Pregnancy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics* / Q000639:trends; D057905:Stem Cell Research / Q000941:ethics*
keywords: Embryonic Stem Cells; Family; In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer; Reproductive Medicine; Stem Cell Research