The Ethics & Theology of Synthetic Gametes

Should we be able to create synthetic sperm and eggs for reproductive purposes? Will children born from such procedures be at elevated risk for biological and/or sociological problems? Explore cutting-edge ethical and theological questions surrounding the development of novel procedures in the artificial creation of human gametes.

Some themes examined:

• The scientific and ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells and maternal spindle transfer.
• The theological foundations for and implications of creating synthetic gametes for reproduction.
• Understanding the ethical and theological role of gametes in procreation as a basis for engaging a broad range of bioethical issues in reproductive technology and ethics.

Schedule

All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT)

10:00 – 10:10am - Welcome and Presentation of the Consultation

10:10 – 10:30am - Screening of IN VITRO.

10:30 – 11:00am  - Why Do Most Parents Want Children ‘Of Their Own’?
Calum MacKellar, PhD

11:20 – 11:50am - The Theology Relating to Donor Insemination in the Roman Catholic Church
‍David A. Jones, DPhil

11:50am -12:30pm - The Philosophical and Theological Role and Meaning of Gametes
‍C. Ben Mitchell, PhD

2:00 – 2:40pm - Discussion of the Theological and Ethical Points of Creating Gametes from Stem Cells
‍Brent Waters, DPhil

2:40 – 3:20pm - Discussion of the Theological and Ethical Issues Relating to

1. Pronuclear Transfer and
2. Maternal Spindle Transfer

‍Trevor Stammers, MB BS, FRCGP

3:20 – 4:00pm - Discussion of the Theological and Ethical Issues Relating to

1. Cytoplasmic Transfer and
2. Blastomere Nuclear Transfer

‍Agneta Sutton, PhD

4:20 – 5:15pm - Panel Discussion

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