When Science Fiction Becomes Reality with Kira Peikoff

What if anyone could have a biological child with anyone, regardless of gender, fertility, or age?That’s the provocative premise behind Baby X, the new novel by author and bioethicist Kira Peikoff. In this episode, we explore the world of In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG), a cutting-edge technology that transforms ordinary cells into sperm or eggs using stem cells. It’s already been tested in mice. Humans may be next.Kira explains how IVG could revolutionize parenthood for same-sex couples, single parents, and those facing infertility, while also confronting the chilling potential for misuse, like unauthorized reproduction using stolen celebrity cells.With a master’s degree in bioethics from Columbia and a background in science journalism, Kira brings deep insight to this discussion at the intersection of science, ethics, and policy. She traces her fascination with biotechnology back to her early days as a reporter, covering President Bush’s stem cell veto.We also explore:Her journey publishing five novelsHow she markets science-driven fictionWhy medical thrillers are still a male-dominated genre, despite focusing on women’s bodiesCurious about the future of reproduction—and the stories we’ll tell about it? Hit play and prepare to rethink what’s possible.Send us Fan MailSupport the show📬 JOIN THE NEWSLETTERThe Storyteller Quest is  a weekly letter on writing,publishing, and the business of books.Subscribe, and I'll send you Traditional, Self, or Hybrid? —11 pages on what each publishing path really costs, plus a7-question worksheet that tells you which one is yours.Subscribe here.