Our reproductive lives are considerably different from those of our ancestors, thanks in part to health innovations that have taken place over the past few decades. Practices such as IVF, donor eggs and sperm, womb transplants, surrogacy and egg freezing, mean that for many, there’s now more choice than ever before over whether, when and how to reproduce.
• The concept of creating an artificial womb for birth, also known as ectogenesis, involves developing a technology that can support the growth and development of a fetus outside of the mother's body. Thereby assisting individuals or couples who are unable to conceive naturally or carry a pregnancy due to medical conditions such as uterine abnormalities or infertility.
• Providing an alternative option for gestation and childbirth for those who may not wish to go through traditional pregnancy.
• Allowing for better monitoring and control over fetal development, potentially reducing certain risks associated with natural pregnancies
• Trials have already been performed on gestating lamb fetuses. However, the technological conundrums that must be considered include replicating the complex interactions between maternal physiology and fetal development is extremely challenging. Mimicking processes like placental function, hormonal regulation, immune system development, and other critical physiological functions requires advanced understanding and precise engineering.
• Developing suitable materials that can provide appropriate physical support while allowing gas exchange, nutrient delivery, waste removal, temperature regulation, and protection against infections.
• Ensuring proper embryonic attachment within the artificial womb without compromising normal implantation processes.
There have been some successful experiments with gestating animal embryos in artificial environments as alluded to earlier, such as lambs or mice, but the technology is far from being ready for human applications. The complexity of human fetal development and the ethical considerations involved make it a challenging area of research. The information provided here is based on current knowledge and speculation about the potential of creating an artificial womb. As with any emerging medical technology, further scientific advancements, ethical discussions, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed before such technology can be safely implemented.
Ref:
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15112