Ectogenesis

For years, people have struggled with infertility and problematic pregnancies. A modern solution is the development of the field of ectogenesis.  Ectogenesis is the growth of a fetus in an artificial womb, completely independent of a woman’s body.  Although it may seem like the answer to a reoccurring issue, there are many factors that must be weighed when approaching this new development.

The most obvious benefit of this medical advancement is the ability to conceive a child without the need for a female’s uterus.  This a remarkable breakthrough for couples who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to have children on their own.  Obstacles may include the woman’s health and the lack of a female parent. Ectogenesis may be a groundbreaking substitution for the use of surrogates, eliminating the need for third party involvement in pregnancy.  This could avoid many of the ethical and legal concerns surrounding the practice of surrogacy, particularly undermining the argument of exploitation of women. Additionally, ectogenesis may in fact be safer for the developing embryo.  The artificial womb is a closely monitored and stable environment for the fetus. This removes many threats posed by traditional pregnancy, such as teratogens and the mother’s health.  In turn, ectogenesis is also a safer option for mothers who are prone to high risk pregnancies.  Risk factors for these women can range anywhere from cardiovascular disease to age.  The use of an independent womb would diminish health risks to both the mother and the child.  Furthermore, ectogenesis provides new opportunities for potential mothers.  Pregnancy can take huge physical, emotional, and social tolls on a woman.  Freeing an expectant mother from the constraints of pregnancy grants her more chances for professional advancement and so much more. Ectogenesis helps to alleviate the burden of pregnancy, relieving mothers from the feeling of being “tied down” in order to have a family life.

In opposition to the reasons mentioned, there are some downsides and counterarguments of ectogenesis that must be considered.  To begin, the cost of an artificial womb is very high. Because of how new this technology is as well as the specific services of the specialists needed, ectogenesis may not be an option that is readily available to people within the brackets of the average income.  This financial gap for availability would favor the upper class, making this option really only accessible to the wealthiest members of society.  Another argument against ectogenesis is that, in freeing women from pregnancy, the practice also eliminates integral bonding between the mother and the child.  During pregnancy, the female body is susceptible to numerous changes, one of which being hormone levels.  One of these hormones in particular is oxytocin.  Oxytocin is often associated with love and affection, and it is released during labor and after the birth of the baby.  It plays a role in the relationship between the mother and child. Ectogenesis prevents these hormonal changes in a woman, which could be detrimental to the bond between mother and child as well as to the child’s later social development.  Lastly, there is the argument that ectogenesis is “unnatural,” in that a fetus should only be gestated inside a human womb.  This brings into question the proper function of the uterus and the implications for the creation of life independent of the human body.  

Regardless of the moral and ethical stances on the practice of ectogenesis, the practice may become a common reality in the near future.  However, both sides of the argument must be considered before making this method of pregnancy routine.