
Ectogenesis artificial womb technology
Ectogenesis, the artificial womb technology, is the revolutionary way to grow an organism in an artificial environment and outside the body of a woman. So, the embryo or fetus grows outside the womb or outside the body of the host. Coined by J.B.S Haldane, Ectogenesis makes use of artificial uterus which has the supply of oxygen and nutrients to nurture the fetus. ‘Ectogenesis: the Artificial Womb Technology and the Future of Human Reproduction’ is the book which raises social, legal and moral issues relating to the possible development of the artificial wombs for the development of the fetus in the near future. Can be accept ectogenesis on moral grounds? This is an important question raised by the researchers in the book. Even if it is acceptable, what can be the possible circumstances? There are many who suspect that ectogenesis may either enhance or rather diminish the reproductive rights of women. The anthology addresses such questions and tends to resolve them all.
Ectogenesis and the reproductive rights
Ectogenesis, as already said, is the technology of the growth of mammalian fetuses in an artificial environment. The ‘Science and the Future’ came as a shocking science fiction for everyone but it proved remarkable at the later stage since it predicted the future in real terms. Aldoux Huxley, the friend of Haldane anticipated similar developments and clearly stated them in the ‘Brave New World’. An Australian researcher also reported biochemical pregnancy in the year 1953 when he successfully extracted a fertilized egg using similar technology. In the year 2014, we saw the birth of a baby from a woman who underwent a uterus transplant. In the year 2016, the concept of Three-Parent-baby became a truth. Ecotogenesis was coined almost a century back by Haldane and replacing pregnancy with this technology became almost possible. But, there were a lot of legal and ethical considerations that had to be made. In the realm of ectogenesis, genuine progress is made as we have seen mouse embryo being introduced into the uterine lining which is lab-created. A further decade of extensive work in the field of ectogenesis will see the human version in 2030s. In fact, the first model showed the ability to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the outside source. The feed introduced here will act as placenta. Many religious groups are opposed to this technology. An extensive manipulation and monitoring of DNA is predicted in the near future.
Designer babies from artificial wombs
With the manipulation of DNA and advanced researches till 2050, we are soon to have ‘designer babies’. But, it is also said that babies will lack attachment with mothers if they are born of artificial wombs. However, ectogenesis will help in reducing the number of abortions as the embryo would be placed in an artificial uterus and further adopted by someone else. Homosexual parents will not have to choose a surrogate mother for surrogacy.
Motherhood has profound importance in the human society. This is why feminism is opposed to ectogenesis. But then, they have divided opinion. The worst part is that the babies born of artificial uterus would lack the bond with parents.