The Artificial Womb

Abstract

Since around the 80’s of the last century, with the clinical advent of in vitro fertilization leading to the so-called “test-tube babies”, bioethicists have been concerned to issue ethical considerations regarding artificial womb technology. There are, in general, two main uses of this technology: first, ecogestation, that form of enhanced neonatal care in which only part of the gestation period takes place in an artificial womb, and second, ectogenesis, in which the entire gestation period takes place in an artificial womb. The fact that ectogestation could significantly reduce neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality is a strong argument for supporting its development. As for ectogenesis, it may bring several challenges ranging from the potential pathologisation of pregnancy and childbirth to the further commercialization of babies.