‘Queering the genome’ article argues for gene editing so lesbian women can make babies together
Scientists should consider gene editing eggs to mimic sperm so lesbians can produce babies with each other, according to a bioethicist.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from a bioethics expert.
Professor Adrian Villalba published an academic article Wednesday titled “Queering the genome: ethical challenges of epigenome editing in same-sex reproduction” in the Journal of Medical Ethics.
Villalba wrote:
Epigenome editing offers a compelling solution to the complex ethical challenges posed by traditional gene editing, as it sidesteps genome modifications and potential long-term genetic consequences. The focus of this article is to systematically analyse the bioethical issues related to the use of epigenome editing for same-sex reproduction…
…[Related experimentation]…challenges established notions of biological reproduction and prompts a reevaluation of how we define the human embryo, [which] poses some issues in the context of gender self-identification and family structures. In a world that increasingly values inclusivity and diversity, this article aims to reveal a progressive pathway for reproductive medicine and bioethics, as well as underscores the need for further philosophical research in this emerging and fertile domain.
Bioethicist Wesley Smith criticized the proposal in an article for National Review.
While the experiment reportedly worked in mice, “that would not mean it could be done in humans without adverse health consequences.”
“Indeed, to be sure that it was ‘safe,’ it seems to me there would have to be repeated experiments creating such modified human embryos, testing their development into the fetal stage,” he wrote. “That would have significant adverse moral implications” (emphasis in original).
Smith said these academic papers should be taken seriously, noting that 15 years ago he warned about puberty blockers.
“I want to emphasize that, though you might think this is just academic nonsense, these journal articles matter,” he wrote (emphasis in original). “They are the means by which philosophical consensus is created toward eventual implementation.”
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IMAGE CAPTION AND CREDITS: Two women hold a baby; Crystal Sing/Corelens
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