Could seeking human germline genome editing force journeys of transnational care?

Abstract

The scope and use of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a technology which inherently presents gender inequalities, and its platform applications differ across countries according to respective legislation and regulation (Inhorn, 2015). Using the context of human germline genome editing (hGGE) as a framework, this article will explore and discuss whether differences in legislation and regulation across countries force individuals/couples to seek transnational care to fulfil their reproductive desires. This article will primarily focus on regulation and practices in the United Kingdom (UK) and use these as a comparative to regulation and practices in other countries. The primary research upon which this article is based was conducted in the UK between 1st March 2018 – 31st October 2019. The research consisted of a largely qualitative, online public survey with a final data set of 521 respondents, semi-structured interviews with 11 experts/professionals who were/are involved in the scope of hGGE in the UK, and semi-structured/interactive interviews with 21 people affected by a respective range of genetic conditions. The findings reveal that 65.64% of respondents were supportive of people utilising transnational care to achieve their reproductive desires in relation to hGGE and that 76.39% felt they should not be prosecuted if they do.