Sperm cells created from female embryo
Sperm cells have been created from a female human embryo in a remarkable breakthrough that suggests it may be possible for lesbian couples to have their own biological children.
Lesbian couples could one day have children who share both their genes
British scientists who had already coaxed male bone marrow cells to develop into primitive sperm cells have now repeated the feat with female embryonic stem cells.
The University of Newcastle team that has achieved the feat is now applying for permission to turn the bone marrow of a woman into sperm which, if successful, would make the method more practical than with embryonic cells.
It raises the possibility of lesbian couples one day having children who share both their genes as sperm created from the bone marrow of one woman could be used to fertilise an egg from her partner.
Men and women differ because of what are called sex chromosomes. Both have an X chromosome. But only men possess a Y chromosome that carries several genes thought to be essential to make sperm, so there has been scepticism that female stem cells could ever be used to make sperm.
If all these experiments pan out, then the stage would also be set for a gay man to donate skin cells that could be used to make eggs, which could then be fertilised by his partner’s sperm and placed into the uterus of a surrogate mother. (Source)
Thousands of gay couples will be following developments in this research.
I must admit I still support adoption over more procreation. There are far too many children in need of a decent home and loving parents and gay couples are in a position to cut those numbers dramatically. It would also serve as a much needed slap in the face to those on the religious right who denounce birth control and abortion yet make no effort to provide care for the thousands of children born every year to mothers who didn’t plan on them and don’t want them.