Abstract

In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) is proposed as a route to genetic parenthood, although at least one variant would not achieve such parenthood for users. ‘Polyparenting’, where an embryo was derived from cells from e.g. two previous embryos conceived by four adults would not make those adults genetic parents. Other potential use of IVG for polygenic screening of, say, a hundred embryos would make the users genetic parents but seems ‘unparental’ in moral terms. In contrast, IVG with autologous transplantation that restores a person to reproductive health could enable truly parental conception, although the risks would need to be assessed.