A new report provides an overview of the legal, ethical, and policy questions raised by in vitro gametogenesis (IVG)—the creation of lab-grown eggs and sperm.

Two University of Sheffield academics, Sara Fovargue and Laura O’Donovan, who are members of the Future of Human Reproduction project, have worked in partnership with the Nuffield Council on Bioethics to co-author a report providing an overview of the legal, ethical, and policy questions raised by an emerging biotechnology—in vitro gametogenesis (IVG).

IVG is the lab-based creation of egg and sperm cells from stem cells. IVG is still under development, but if it proves to be safe and effective it could transform fertility treatment by:

• providing a less invasive alternative to current egg collection procedures, as eggs could be created using skin cells, for example;
• facilitating more widespread use of preimplantation genetic testing, a process which screens embryos for specific genetic traits or conditions before their use in fertility treatment;
• increasing reproductive opportunity and choice for a range of people including infertile individuals, post-menopausal women, and also same-sex couples, giving them the option of having children genetically related to both parties.

IVG research is advancing rapidly and there is significant commercial interest and investment in the field. The report says that it is important that regulatory frameworks do not lag behind scientific advances, as has occurred with other biotechnologies.

Laura O’Donovan, lecturer in law, said, “The current law is an awkward fit for new biotechnologies such as IVG and embryo models, resulting in a lack of clear and unambiguous legal oversight. We have the opportunity now to develop and implement proactive governance frameworks that ensure responsible research, safeguard public trust, and uphold ethical standards.”

The report identifies critical issues that need to be addressed before any clinical use of IVG, including consent for stem cells to be used to create reproductive cells, the rights of children born using IVG to information about their origins, and legal parenthood when more than two people contribute genetically to a child.

The report calls for collaborative consideration by scientists, ethicists, policymakers, regulators, and the public before the clinical use of IVG.

Sara Fovargue, Professor of Law, said, “The landscape for biotechnological innovation has significantly changed since the development of IVF in the 1970s, with private finance and intellectual property rights, particularly patents, playing an increasingly prominent role. Engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, is essential to shaping transparent and appropriate regulatory frameworks which support innovation while protecting the interests of all relevant parties.”

The full report and policy briefing are available to read online.