voice
Is the future
FEMALE?
Scientists at Newcastle University have to make mature male sperm (sons). He also states
made sperm from human embryonic stem that female stem cells that are made into sperm
cells. Chloe Marshall wonders whether this would only produce a female child.
could signify the end of a need for men. So could the need for mans’ role in reproduction
really be a thing of the past? Enabling lesbians to
For the fi rst time, scientists at the north east England produce a child that is genetically made from both
Stem Cell Institute have manufactured human sperm partners, without the involvement of male sperm,
in the laboratory from male embryonic stem cells. seems like a dream come true to many. Lesbian
Thousands of infertile heterosexual couples could couples already have the option of combining both
be spared the pain, anguish and expense of fruitless eggs to produce a child, however they still face the
IVF treatments. diffi cult decision of which male’s sperm to use: a
The breakthrough would allow men who do not known or anonymous donor.
produce any sperm of their own to have their own Equal access to IVF treatment will also be legally
genetically related child. The team, led by Dr Karim available for lesbians, as The Human Fertilisation and
Nayernia, also predicted that within fi ve years, they Embryology Act 2008, which is due to come into full
would be able to make sperm from a skin cell of a effect on October 1st, will remove the “need for a
man, enabling sterile men to produce children. father” in IVF treatment and instead place a
Nayernia believes that sperm could also be made requirement on “supportive parenting”. This means
from a woman’s skin cell, but he says he has doubts that one day, lesbians may be able to use artifi cial
scientists would be able to overcome the technical sperm through IVF, just as heterosexual couples will.
hurdles. His team was able to make immature sperm Unfortunately, the Government currently states
from female stem cells, but needed a Y chromosome that it is illegal to treat humans with laboratory-grown
32
Vania,
Anna,
' AbcRS\b
:OeabcRS\b “Depending on how
“With the ability to Tracy, " society accepts it,
produce children with A]\Ue`WbS`  artifi cial sperm could
their own sperm, women “Reproduction without make life much easier
would have many more the need for a man? Best for men and women in
rights.” thing since sliced bread!” future.”
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