In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) is an emerging stem cell technology that involves the production of gametes outside of the body from an individual’s somatic cells (e.g., skin cells). A proof of concept in mice has raised hopes that IVG could one day be used to reproduce by people who are unable to use their own gametes due to medical or social infertility. Remarkably, unlike donor gametes, IVG-derived gametes would maintain a genetic link between parent and child. Whether this provides an ethical rationale for IVG or, on the contrary, argues against it as a means of reinforcing genetic determinism is a matter of debate. Here, I explore the meaning and ethical significance of a biological relationship between parent and child through empirical data on the perspectives of potential beneficiaries of IVG, namely, people with medical infertility and LGBTQ+ people who wish to have children. While some study participants did not place a particular value on a biological connection to their child, many did and were interested in IVG for this reason. Importantly, however, they defined the meaning and value of this connection in different ways. I explore how these data invite us to complicate our understanding of this biological connection beyond genetic determinism. Instead, I show that we need to situate our reflection within a relational framework that accounts for the complex values and meanings that people ascribe to biology. In doing so, I also highlight the value of relying on qualitative empirical data when thinking about future reproductive biotechnologies.
