Twilight bioethics : Making Gametes In Vitro: Science or Fiction?

Twilight Bioethics: Making Gametes In Vitro: Science or Fiction?

Stem cell research has ushered in an area of hopes for a regenerative form of medicine. One of its most striking applications would be making eggs and sperm from stem cells, with the possibility of using them for human reproduction. This is the nascent field of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG). By making the generation of eggs and sperm independent from actual bodies, IVG would profoundly change the way humans and animals reproduce. This discussion will tackle the profound ethical and social questions raised by IVG by centering the conversation on current research in the field. We will explore the insights this research provides on human reproduction, and the questions that need to be considered for it to take place in a just manner. 

Speakers: 

Noémie Merleau-Ponty (CNRS) Chargée de recherche, anthropologue

Gabriel Livera (Université Paris Cité, CEA) Professeur des universités, biologiste

Discussant: Anne Le Goff (Paris IAS, CIUP, Institut SupBiotech), philosophe

The Twilight Bioethics Series

This series consists of three interdisciplinary events exploring how scientific and medical technologies reshape the boundaries between life and death, body and personhood—themes often anticipated in science fiction. The series delves into the "ethics of life," specifically examining emerging or evolving processes that introduce new ways to sustain life, novel reproductive possibilities, and new materials and methods for experimentation.

The development of such biotechnologies calls for ethical reflection from diverse perspectives. This series aims to foster discussions among scholars, scientists, and practitioners from various fields to consider the meaning and ethical impacts of these technologies on human and animal life.

The discussions will focus on three technologies at different stages of research and implementation: human milk banks, in vitro gametogenesis, and artificial wombs (ectogenesis). These innovations, which raise unique ethical, social, and public concerns, have the potential to radically transform aspects of reproduction and even our understanding of life itself.

Presentations will be in English, and audience questions are welcome in English or French.

 Scientific committee:

Benjamin Hegarty, Paris IAS / CIUP

Anne Le Goff, Paris IAS / CIUP

Jack Turley, CIUP

Bertrand Cosson, CIUP / University of Paris Cité