Gamete space colonization: why space colonization based on gametes is morally preferable to colonization based on embryos
Author(s)
Date Issued
2023
Type
article
Volume
7
Issue
1
Start Page
7
End Page
23
Journal
Abstract
Embryo space colonization is one of the solutions that have been proposed to
minimize the existential risk that, in the coming centuries, the human species
will undergo irreversible extinction. This type of solution involves sending
cryopreserved human embryos into space on board a spaceship entirely guided
by intelligent machines tasked with identifying and finding the most suitable
planet for human colonization within the solar system or another stellar system.
The goal is not to assess the feasibility of this project, but rather to consider
whether the use of human gametes would constitute a more ethical solution.
It will be argued that, all else being equal, sending gametes instead of embryos
into space presents at least three advantages. First, it makes it possible to have
a more genetically diverse range of human embryos available, facilitating the
selection of genetically better embryos for colonizing the new planet. In addition,
producing embryos ad hoc from gametes allows improving the genetic
characteristics of embryos without resorting to genome editing, which could
present safety issues. Finally, gamete space colonization does not eliminate but
reduces the possibility that the designers’ biases influence the selection of embryos.
Subjects