Chimeras intended for human gamete production: an ethical alternative?

Abstract

A B S T R A C THuman eggs for basic, fertility and stem-cell research are in short supply. Many experiments that require their use cannot be carried out at present, and, therefore, the benefits that could emerge from these are either delayed or never materialise. This state of affairs is problematic for scientists and patients worldwide, and it is a matter that needs our attention. Recent advances in chimera research have opened the possibility of creating human/ non-human animal chimeras intended for human gamete production (chimeras-IHGP). In this paper, I examine four arguments against the creation of such chimeras and prove that all of them are found wanting. I conclude by showing that there is a strong moral reason for scientists to pursue this research avenue.

Japan Significantly Relaxes Its Human-Animal Chimeric Embryo Research Regulations

“…Others argue that the production and use of human PSC-derived gametes derived in animals is necessary (Palacios-Gonzá lez, 2017). Currently in Japan, the 2010 Guidelines on Research Producing Germ Cells from Human iPS Cells or Human Tissue Stem Cells prohibit the fertilization of human PSC-derived gametes (http://www.lifescience.mext.go.jp/ files/pdf/n1492_01r2.pdf; amended in 2015).…”