Anticipating in vitro gametogenesis: Hopes and concerns for IVG among diverse stakeholders

Anne Le Goff; Robbin Jeffries Hein; Ariel N Hart; Isaias Roberson; Hannah L Landecker

doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.002

Anticipating in vitro gametogenesis: Hopes and concerns for IVG among diverse stakeholders

Stem Cell Reports. 2024 Jul 9;19(7):933-945. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.002. Epub 2024 Jun 6.

Authors

Anne Le Goff¹, Robbin Jeffries Hein¹, Ariel N Hart², Isaias Roberson³, Hannah L Landecker⁴

Affiliations

¹ The Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
² Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
³ Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health, and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
⁴ The Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Reproductive Science, Health, and Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

In vitro gametogenesis (IVG), the reconstitution of germ cell development in vitro, is an emerging stem cell-based technology with profound implications for reproductive science. Despite researchers' long-term goals for future clinical applications, little is currently known about the views of IVG held by the stakeholders potentially most affected by its introduction in humans. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 80 individuals with lived experience of infertility and/or LGBTQ+ family formation in the US, two intersecting groups of potential IVG users. Respondents expressed hope that IVG would lead to higher reproductive success than current assisted reproductive technology (ART), alleviate suffering associated with ART use, and promote greater social inclusion, while expressing concerns predominantly framed in terms of equity and safety. These findings underscore the importance of sustained engagement with stakeholders with relevant experience to anticipate the implications of IVG for research and clinical translation.

Keywords: LGBTQ+; assisted reproduction; focus groups; gametes; in vitro gametogenesis; infertility; qualitative research; regenerative medicine; reproductive justice; stem cells.

MeSH terms

Adult
Female
Gametogenesis*
Germ Cells
Humans
Infertility / therapy
Male
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
Stakeholder Participation