Reproductive Engineering: The Technology, Ethics, and Future of Human Reproduction

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to reproductive engineering, its technologies, ethical concerns, and implications for the future.

Reproductive Engineering

The application of science and engineering to assist, modify, or bypass traditional human reproduction.

Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART)

Technologies like IVF and ICSI that help individuals conceive.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory setting.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Injecting a single sperm directly into an egg for fertilization.

Genetic Screening (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - PGD)

Testing embryos for genetic diseases before implantation.

Gene Editing

The ability to permanently change our genetic code.

Somatic Editing

Edits genes in a patient's body cells and are not heritable.

Germline Editing

Edits genes in gametes or embryos that are heritable and affect future generations.

HIV Immunity

Claim made by He Jiankui regarding twins whose genomes were edited.

Ethical Concerns

Raised by genetic editing regarding consent, safety, and equity.

Informed Consent

The principle that future persons cannot consent to permanent genetic changes.

Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)

A technique that enables the creation of 'three-parent babies' to prevent mitochondrial diseases.

Artificial Wombs

A technology for growing a fetus entirely outside the human body.

The

The central ethical dilemma of whether capability implies obligation in bioengineering.

Genetic Divide

Potential disparity between those who can afford genetic enhancements and those who cannot.