LGBTQI

The acronym LGBTQI covers a diversity of human identities and experiences. In many cultures and countries, LGBTQI people experience social and political discrimination, particularly when it comes to reproduction and healthcare. In this context, the ongoing search for a genetic “cause” behind these multiple identities could open the door to new forms of genetic discrimination. But complex human behaviors and identities can’t be reduced to a series of nucleotides.

Assisted reproductive technologies have provided new paths to forming a family for some LGBTQI people; this is one way among many that LGBTQI families challenge discriminatory ideas about what counts as a family and the meaning of biological relatedness.

3-person IVF and Lesbian Motherhood: A Flawed Argument for Reproductive Equality

By Leah Lowthorp | 04.09.2018

Biopolitical Times

A recent article in the Journal of Medical Ethics argues that controversial nuclear genome transfer techniques (aka mitochondrial replacement, mitochondrial donation, or 3-person IVF) should be made available to lesbian couples for the purpose of creating genetically-related children. The authors, both bioethicists at King’s College London, continue an unfortunate trend of promoting experimental reproductive technologies to queer communities under the guise of reproductive equality in a particular form – one that privileges genetic relatedness achieved through unsafe, experimental technologies over...

Human Genetic Modification

What Now? Grappling with Compensated Surrogacy Beyond the New York Bill

By Emily Galpern | 06.28.2019

Biopolitical Times

The Child-Parent Security Act, which would have legalized commercial surrogacy in New York, did not make it out of the State Assembly last week. The controversy that surrounded the bill reverberated well beyond the state, highlighting the complexities of crafting surrogacy policy grounded in social justice principles. Many of us who advocate for women’s health, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ rights will continue to grapple with how to develop equity-oriented recommendations for public policy, professional standards, and on-the-ground practices. We...

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