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The Changing Meaning of Human Eggs: From Procreation to Personhood

Blake Kennedy

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Published in The Oocyte Economy: The Changing Meaning Of Human Eggs

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The human egg is a remarkable cell. It is the largest cell in the human body, and it contains the genetic material that determines the traits of a new human being. For centuries, the egg has been seen primarily as a means of reproduction. However, in recent years, the meaning of the egg has begun to change. Advances in reproductive technology have made it possible to create, freeze, and even sell human eggs. This has led to new ethical questions about the status of the egg and its potential uses.

The Oocyte Economy: The Changing Meaning of Human Eggs

by Douglas Noll

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	243 pages

The Historical Meaning of Human Eggs

For most of human history, the egg has been seen primarily as a means of reproduction. In ancient Greece, Aristotle believed that the egg was a passive vessel that received the male seed. In the Middle Ages, the egg was thought to be a "miniature human being" that contained a fully formed pre-embryo.

The Changing Meaning of Human Eggs in the 19th and 20th Centuries

The meaning of the egg began to change in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1827, the German embryologist Karl Ernst von Baer discovered the mammalian egg. This discovery led to a new understanding of the egg's role in reproduction. Von Baer showed that the egg is not a passive vessel, but rather an active cell that plays a vital role in the development of the embryo.

The Egg in the Age of Reproductive Technology

In the late 20th century, the development of reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy led to a further shift in the meaning of the egg. These technologies made it possible to create, freeze, and even sell human eggs. This has raised new ethical questions about the status of the egg and its potential uses.

The Ethical Debate over the Egg

There are a number of different ethical perspectives on the use of human eggs. Some people believe that the egg is a sacred entity that should only be used for procreation. Others believe that the egg is a valuable commodity that can be used to help infertile couples or create new life. Still others believe that the egg is a potential source of stem cells that could be used to treat a variety of diseases.

The ethical debate over the egg is likely to continue for many years to come. As reproductive technology continues to advance, we will need to carefully consider the ethical implications of our actions.

The meaning of the human egg has changed dramatically over the past few centuries. From being seen as merely a means of reproduction, the egg is now considered a valuable commodity with the potential to create new life or treat diseases. The ethical debate over the egg is likely to continue for many years to come as we grapple with the implications of our changing understanding of this remarkable cell.

The Oocyte Economy: The Changing Meaning of Human Eggs

by Douglas Noll

5 out of 5