In Vitro-Derived Human Gametes as a Reproductive Technology

Current assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) do not enable all prospective parents to have genetically related children. The National Academies Board on Health Sciences Policy hosted a workshop in April 2023 to explore the development of in vitro-derived human eggs and sperm from pluripotent stem cells through a process known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG). Speakers emphasized the impacts of the potential biotechnology on research and reproductive medicine should clinical IVG ever be approved, along with the many social, ethical, legal, and technical considerations its development raises. This proceedings document summarizes workshop discussions.

Table of Contents

Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 State of the Science 3 Potential Clinical Implications of IVG 4 Social, Ethical, and Legal Considerations Raised by IVG 5 Equity, Access, and Cost Considerations Associated with IVG 6 Imagining a Potential Clinic Research Pathway for Human IVG in the United States 7 Participatory Public Engagement Around Reproductive Science Advances 8 Looking Ahead Appendix A: References Appendix B: Workshop Task and Agenda Appendix C: Biographies of Speakers and Planning Committee Members