Talk on the ethics of ‘reprogenetics’ on 22 March at University Centre Shrewsbury

News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury

Last year, the UK became the first country in the world to allow mitochondrial replacement therapy, a medical technical that can allow prospective parents to avoid passing on ‘faulty’ genes that can cause disease to their children. But it didn’t happen overnight – medical, ethical and political powers debated for around a decade before the technique was given the go-ahead.

This Wednesday (22 March 2017) Dr Caroline Wright of the University of Warwick will visit University Centre Shrewsbury to examine some of the complex questions around the field of ‘reprogenetics’, with a particular emphasis on women’s issues around their own fertility and their bodies.

In “Reprogenetics: The View from Sociology”, Dr Wright will explore questions such as ‘why has the advance in reprogenetics provoked fears of ‘designer babies?’, ‘are saviour siblings ethical?’ and ‘does mitochondrial replacement mean a child can have three genetic parents?’

Dr Wright’s talk will be of particular interest to A Level students of natural and social sciences, as well as members of the public with an interest on sociology, genetics, health policy and feminist issues.

The talk begins at 7pm at University Centre Shrewsbury’s Guildhall. To book a place, contact communications@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 297553.