Who needs men -- artificial sperm coming soon
Categories: Just for dads, Pregnancy & birth, 2Moms2Dads, Medical conditions, In the news
Personally, I'm not into guys. What with women in the world, I don't really understand why anyone would be, my wife included (perhaps even especially). That said, guys are still kinda necessary for reproduction. For now, anyway. German geneticists have succeeded in creating artificial sperm using embryonic stem cells.The process is still very much in the experimental stage, however. Of the twelve baby mice born after eggs were fertilized with the artificial sperm, seven died in the first five months "of causes which we have not been able to determine," according to Dr Wolfgang Engel, director of Human Genetics at the University of Goettingen.
In theory, this research could lead to aid for couples where the male is infertile (or there is no male involved), although Engel said his team will not conduct any tests using human stem cells; German law forbids such research. Still, as the technology progresses and attitudes evolve, this may become a viable option for producing children when the traditional source of male chromosomes is unable or unavailable to contribute.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Amy 4-08-2008 @ 2:36PM
I find this terrifying.
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Eva 4-08-2008 @ 2:42PM
I'm all for progress. Sounds good.
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jmutty 4-08-2008 @ 3:06PM
Wow, I'm not sure what to say. This is the ultimate outcome of neo-feminism. Because some women have managed to convince themselves that men and women are identical, why not become asexual and do away with gender. Ugh. Sorry, this really bothers me. We need to stop messing around with the natural order.
Reply
Mel 4-08-2008 @ 3:18PM
Well said. Also, can you imagine if the opposite were being attempted, such that the headline read "Who Needs Women?"
LS 4-09-2008 @ 3:23PM
I simply do not understand the point of this research. If a man is infertile, there are plenty of children who need good homes.
I find it ironic that with all the kids out there in need of adoption, we are taking undeveloped children (embryos), killing them, and creating new ways to make children.... It boggles the mind, and, frankly, is more than a little creepy.
I am rarely in favor of outright banning of any science, but this time, I'm leaning that way.
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Jan Bay 4-09-2008 @ 4:07PM
I'm puzzled that the same people who were screaming about cloning are not marching in protest. What a week for strange news; pregnant men and now this!
Jan from http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com/
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