Reproduction Reborn: How Science, Ethics, and Law Shape Mitochondrial Replacement Therapies

A cutting-edge analysis of the global issues surrounding modern reproductive technologies

Advances in assisted reproductive technologies have sparked global policy debates since the birth of the first so-called "test tube baby" in 1978. Today, mitochondrial replacement therapies represent the most recent advancement in assisted reproductive technologies, allowing some women with mitochondrial diseases to birth babies without those diseases. In the past decade, mitochondrial replacement therapies have captured public sentiment, reigniting debates around social views of reproductive rights and the appropriate legal and political response.

Reproduction Reborn guides readers through the history and science of mitochondrial replacement therapies and the various attempts to control them. Leading experts from medicine, genetics, ethics, law, and policy explore the influence of public debate on the evolving shape of these technologies and their subsequent regulation. They highlight case studies from both developed and developing countries across the globe, including recent legislation in Australia and China. They further identify the ethical, legal, and societal norms that need to be addressed by policymakers and communities as more and more people seek to gain access to these treatments. Given the importance of reproduction in family life and cultural identity, clinicians and policymakers must understand how regulatory regimes around mitochondrial replacement therapies have evolved to illuminate the processes and challenges of governing reproduction in a fast-moving world.

Informative and global in scope, Reproduction Reborn explores how advancements in assisted reproductive technologies challenge core values surrounding the rights and responsibilities of modern-day family units.

Diana M. Bowman is Associate Dean and Professor in the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and Professor in the College of Global Futures at Arizona State University. Dr. Bowman's research primarily focuses on the legal and policy issues associated with emerging technologies and public health. Over the last fifteen years she has worked extensively with governments and other organizations including the World Economic Forum and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on shaping the governance framework for new technologies. In 2018, Dr. Bowman was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Karinne Ludlow is Associate Professor in the Monash University Law Faculty. Dr. Ludlow's research primarily focuses on regulation of, and legal challenges to, innovative technologies particularly biotechnology. That research addresses biotechnology across all species and in applications including health, agriculture and food, and industrial purposes. Dr. Ludlow has particular expertise in the regulation of reproductive technologies. Her research on MRT is supported by a joint Australian government ARC Discovery grant and a joint Department of Health's Medical Research Future Fund grant.

Walter G. Johnson is a PhD scholar at the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) at the Australian National University. His research covers topics around law and regulation for a variety of current and emerging technologies. Johnson was awarded a JD from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and a Master of Science and Technology Policy from Arizona State University.