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The article addresses the issue of the impact of language in the case of gene editing and emerging CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) technologies in relation to the emerging technology mitochondrial/nuclear transfer (M/NT). Topics discussed include what mitochondrial transfer is, how terminology frames the ethical debate on M/NT, and the challenges the choice of terminology poses in cases of emerging new technologies.

In Western countries today, a growing number of women delay motherhood until their late 30s and even 40s, as they invest time in pursuing education and career goals before starting a family. This social trend results from greater gender equality and expanded opportunities for women and is influenced by the availability of contraception and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, advanced maternal age is associated with increased health risks, including infertility. While individual medical solutions such as ART and elective egg freezing can promote reproductive autonomy, they entail significant risks and limitations. We thus argue that women should be better informed regarding the risks of advanced maternal age and ART, and that these individual solutions need to be supplemented by a public health approach, including policy measures that provide women with the opportunity to start a family earlier in life without sacrificing personal career goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects how the argument of the article "Does Lack of 'Genetic-Relative Family Health History' Represent a Potentially Avoidable Health Disparity for Adoptees" by Thomas May and colleagues in the same issue applies to individuals conceived using donor gametes. Topics covered include how anonymously donated gametes is considered as a source of health disparity, the difference between donor conception and adoption, and the essential elements characterizing health disparities.

A letter from the authors of the article "Sleepwalking Into Infertility: The Need for a Public Health Approach Toward Advanced Maternal Age" which appeared within the issue is presented.