IVF Stem Cells and the Future of Kinship: Experimental Futures

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been used for over 40 years to help people conceive children. In recent years, there have been significant advances in IVF technology, including the development of IVF stem cells. These cells have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of kinship and family relationships.

Biological Relatives: IVF, Stem Cells, and the Future of Kinship (Experimental Futures)

by Sarah Franklin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5617 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	376 pages
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What are IVF stem cells?

IVF stem cells are derived from embryos that are created during the IVF process. These embryos are typically discarded after they are no longer needed for IVF. However, researchers have found that these embryos can be used to create stem cells that are pluripotent, meaning that they have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.

The potential of IVF stem cells

IVF stem cells have a wide range of potential applications, including:

• Treating diseases: IVF stem cells can be used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Creating new tissues and organs: IVF stem cells can be used to create new tissues and organs, which could be used to treat patients with organ failure or other medical conditions.
• Studying human development: IVF stem cells can be used to study human development and to understand the causes of birth defects and other developmental disorders.

The ethical and social implications of IVF stem cells

The use of IVF stem cells raises a number of ethical and social concerns. One concern is that the use of embryos for research could lead to the destruction of human life. Another concern is that the use of IVF stem cells could lead to the creation of designer babies or other eugenic practices.

It is important to note that these concerns are not unique to IVF stem cells. They are also raised by other reproductive technologies, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and cloning. However, the use of IVF stem cells raises these concerns in a particularly acute way, because these cells have the potential to be used to create new human beings.

The future of IVF stem cells

The future of IVF stem cells is uncertain. However, these cells have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of kinship and family relationships. They could also lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases and medical conditions.

As we continue to learn more about IVF stem cells, it is important to have a public dialogue about the ethical and social implications of these technologies. This dialogue will help us to make informed decisions about the future of IVF and other reproductive technologies.

Biological Relatives: IVF, Stem Cells, and the Future of Kinship (Experimental Futures)

by Sarah Franklin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5617 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	376 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE