A conception of genetic parenthood

Bioethics. 2019 Jan;33(1):54-59. doi: 10.1111/bioe.12493. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Abstract

We seek to develop a plausible conception of genetic parenthood, taking a recent discussion by Heidi Mertes as our point of departure. Mertes considers two conceptions of genetic parenthood-one invoking genetic resemblance and the other genetic inheritance-and presents counter-examples to both conceptions. We revise Mertes' second conception so as to avoid these and related counter-examples.

Keywords: Heidi Mertes; assisted reproduction; cloning; genetic parenthood; in vitro reproduction; mitochondrial replacement therapy; stem cell derived gametes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bioethical Issues
  • Child
  • Cloning, Organism*
  • Concept Formation
  • Fathers
  • Female
  • Germ Cells*
  • Humans
  • Inheritance Patterns
  • Male
  • Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy*
  • Mothers
  • Nuclear Transfer Techniques
  • Parents*
  • Reproduction / ethics
  • Reproduction / genetics*
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted* / ethics
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Stem Cells*