ABSTRACT
The Human Fertilization and Embryology Act, one of the world’s first laws enacted to regulate developments in assisted reproductive technology and embryo research. In December 2007, the UK House of Lords discussed a special amendment of the law, containing a proposal to permit pronuclear transfer to prevent mitochondrial DNA disorders. This chapter focuses on nuclear transfer (NT) for three reasons: first, NT seems more promising, secondly, recently doubts have risen regarding the value of ooplasmic transfer (OT) in patients with mtDNA disease and finally, the conceptual and normative questions for both techniques largely overlap. Embryo research is required in the preclinical phase for the development of nearly every new reproductive technique. OT and NT require collaboration from oocyte donors in both the preclinical phase and in possible future clinical applications. Oocyte donation raises the same ethical questions as assisted conception in general or sperm donation in particular, such as the meaning of family values, sexuality, parenthood, gender relations and commodification.
