We live in an exhilarating era for reproductive medicine. Innovative technologies are redefining possibilities that seemed unimaginable just a few decades ago. Yet, with every new technique comes a wave of ethical dilemmas.
One such advancement is AUGMENT, a method introduced by a Cambridge-based research firm that aims to enhance the quality of older eggs by injecting healthy mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells. According to the company, AUGMENT has resulted in six successful live births.
However, in 2013, the FDA classified AUGMENT as a new drug, leading the company to halt its offerings in the U.S. and seek options elsewhere. In an interview, Dr. Lisa Thompson, a fertility expert, expressed that she supports the FDA’s decision. She raised critical concerns: Can this technique potentially cause genetic disorders or mutations? Moreover, she pondered an ever-relevant ethical question: To what extent should we reverse the biological clock?
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In summary, while the advancements in reproductive medicine hold great promise, they also provoke essential questions about safety and ethics. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our discussions surrounding its implications.