Stem cell-derived gametes, iterated in vitro reproduction, and genetic parenthood (Journal of Medical Ethics)

This special issue of the Journal incorporates a series of articles on ethical questions raised by stem cell-derived gametes (SCDGs), understood here as gametes or gamete-like cells created in the laboratory from human pluripotent stem cells. The series includes five original research papers covering a wide range of ethical questions: Robert Sparrow`s feature article sets out to stimulate debate on the possible use of SCDG technology to create multiple generations of human embryos in vitro (see page 725, Editor`s choice); César Palacios-González, John Harris and Giuseppe Testa develop and deploy an ethical framework for assessing research uses of SCDG technology and appraise a range of fertility treatments that it may enable (see page 752); Heidi Mertes distinguishes a number of accounts of genetic parenthood and explores their implications for possible clinical applications of SCDGs (see page 744); Timothy Murphy discusses the possible...