Ethical aspects of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA transfer

Artificial Gametes and Human Reproduction in the 21st Century: An Ethical Analysis

Artificial gametes, derived from stem cells, have the potential to enable in vitro fertilization of embryos. Currently, artificial gametes are only being generated in laboratory animals; however, considerable efforts are underway to develop artificial gametes using human cell sources. These artificial gametes are being proposed as a means to address infertility through assisted reproductive technologies. Nonetheless, the availability of artificial gametes obtained from adult organisms can potentially expand the possibilities of reproduction. Various groups, such as same-sex couples, post-menopausal women, and deceased donors, could potentially utilize artificial gametes to conceive genetically related offspring. The advent of artificial gametes raises significant bioethical questions. Should all these reproductive scenarios be accepted? How can we delineate the range of future reproductive choices? A normative bioethical framework may be necessary to establish a consensus regarding the use of human artificial gametes. This review aims to present the current state of research on the biological roadmap for generating artificial gametes, while also summarizing proposed approaches to establish a normative framework that delineates ethically acceptable paths for reproduction.

Qur'anic Views on Human Cloning (I): Doctrinal and Theological Evidences

BACKGROUND

Human cloning is a recent occurrence that is not confined to bio-issues; rather, it has provoked numerous questions worldwide and presented scientific and religious challenges. These series of articles aim to examine the proposed approaches and analyze the aspects of human cloning in terms of tenets, morals, jurisprudence, and laws. In this paper, we analyze the ideological and theological evidences, regardless of scientific, ethical and legal problems that exist in the reproduction method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a descriptive-analytical method to consider the challenges of human cloning according to the "system of Divine creativity" and "the will of God", as well as the "pairing system" and "diversity in nature" with emphasis on the Holy Qur'an and Qur'anic commentaries.

RESULTS

According to the Qur'an, although any type of physical changes and retouching of the human body are forbidden, the alteration of God's creation may not prove the prohibition of cloning. Cloning is not contradictory to the principle, precedent, and rule of coupling, and it may be one of the hidden precedents of creation. Therefore, not only does a clone not contradict the precedent of the variety of men, but this variety is a sign for men and not a precedent predominated over the order of nature.

CONCLUSION

It is proven that cloning does not give life; instead, it utilizes the life bestowed by God. This technique does not contradict the precedents of existence. It is a way to discover some precedents of God and is under the order of cause and effect of the world. Cloning is not considered as a challenge to human beliefs, nor is it a change in Divine creation. Moreover, cloning does not contradict the theological teachings and concepts of the Holy Qur'an and Shiite Muslims.