Ethics of chimeric eggs
According to Dr. Caesar Palachios-Gonzalez of the Center for Medical Law and Ethics at King's College London, scientists should be able to create eggs for research purposes from chimeric gametes (human-animal).
He analyzed four arguments against the creation of such chimeras for research purposes and believes that from an ethical point of view, none of them is sufficiently convincing to recognize the use of this technology as immoral.
Analyzed arguments:
- possible humiliation of human dignity;
- the value of human germ cells will be reduced and they will be considered exclusively as having instrumental value;
- possible onset of pregnancies from gametes of chimeric organisms;
- the well-being of chimeric animals will suffer disproportionately to the benefits received.
One of the main counterarguments is the shortage of human eggs suitable for research purposes. The use of chimeras would allow valuable research in the field of reproduction.
According to the findings of Dr. Palachios-Gonzalez, there is currently a shortage of eggs for research in the field of fertility and stem cells, which does not allow the potential benefits to be fully exploited. The idea that growing human germ cells in animal organisms is unethical scares off researchers who are not even considering using this technology. Researchers should recognize that the creation of such chimeras is not associated with moral problems, and begin to actively consider the opportunities provided.
Article Cesar Palacios-Gonzalez Chimeras intended for human gamete production: an ethical alternative? published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of King's College London: Producing human-animal hybrid eggs for research not unethical.
21.07.2017