Scientists Near Breakthrough in Lab-Grown Eggs and Sperm Technology

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Researchers in the UK are on the verge of creating eggs and sperm through in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG), a technique that could revolutionize reproduction and allow single individuals and same-sex couples to have biological children, according to a report from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) released on January 30, 2025.

The process involves generating gametes from skin or stem cells, potentially making it feasible for children to be born using lab-produced sperm and eggs within the next decade. Experts note that while this advancement could alleviate age-related infertility issues, it also raises significant ethical and medical risks.

Concerns about genetic screening and the possibility of creating multiple embryos have led the HFEA to urge caution and recommend legal and ethical regulations before the technology is implemented. There are fears that such advancements could inadvertently lead to eugenics practices by allowing parents to select embryos based on desired traits.

As discussions continue, the technique has not yet been made available as a medical treatment. Legal changes from the British Parliament will ultimately determine its future application.

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