Ectogenesis: can babies grow outside of the womb? | Evie Kendal | TEDxRoma

Summary

This video discusses the emerging concept of ectogenesis, the creation of life outside the womb, exploring its potential to revolutionize human reproduction. It covers partial ectogenesis, already used for neonatal care, and speculates on the possibility of full ectogenesis, where gestation could occur entirely in artificial environments. The video highlights the technological challenges, ethical concerns, and social implications, including potential benefits for premature infants and individuals unable to carry pregnancies. It raises critical questions about access, equity, and the role of technology in family creation, urging society to consider the future of this technology and its impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ectogenesis is the creation of life outside the womb, ranging from partial methods like neonatal incubation to the speculative concept of full ectogenesis from conception to delivery.
• 😀 Partial ectogenesis is already possible through technologies like IVF and neonatal incubation, but full ectogenesis remains a goal for the future.
• 😀 Major technical obstacles in developing ectogenesis include creating a 3D shell for gestation, replacing amniotic fluid, and developing systems to provide nutrients and oxygen, replacing the placenta.
• 😀 Current models in animal trials include fluid-filled bio bags and other systems to replicate the organic womb environment, aimed at increasing survival rates for premature infants.
• 😀 The potential for ectogenesis to support premature infants offers a significant benefit by giving more time for lung development and improving survival chances for those born prematurely.
• 😀 Full ectogenesis could have broader applications, such as helping people who cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons, being transgender, or having other reproductive challenges.
• 😀 Ectogenesis may provide an ethical third option for people morally opposed to abortion, enabling termination of pregnancy while preserving the fetus for potential adoption.
• 😀 However, partial ectogenesis is not a feasible replacement for most early-term abortions due to the need for major surgery and ethical considerations surrounding such a process.
• 😀 The development of ectogenesis could bring about socio-economic benefits, but there is a risk that the technology could be accessible only to the wealthy, exacerbating social inequalities.
• 😀 Ethical and social questions surrounding ectogenesis include who should have access to the technology, how to address its implications for gender equality, and the risks to fetuses and society that need careful examination.

Q & A

What is ectogenesis?

Ectogenesis refers to the creation of life outside of the womb, typically through artificial wombs or other reproductive technologies. It aims to assist in gestation by providing an environment for fetal development outside the natural womb.

What are the potential benefits of ectogenesis?

Ectogenesis could improve outcomes for premature infants by providing more time for their development in a controlled, optimal environment, potentially increasing survival rates. It also offers an alternative for individuals who cannot or choose not to carry a pregnancy to term.

What challenges must be overcome to achieve ectogenesis?

The main challenges include creating a three-dimensional shell for fetal implantation, developing a suitable replacement for amniotic fluid, and finding a way to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, mimicking the placenta's functions.

How far has technology progressed in developing artificial wombs?

Partial ectogenesis is already possible, such as through IVF and neonatal incubation. However, full ectogenesis, from conception to delivery, remains a concept for the future, with research still in early stages.

What is partial ectogenesis, and why is it significant?

Partial ectogenesis involves using technologies like IVF and neonatal incubation to support fetal development. It is significant because it allows premature infants to continue developing outside the womb, potentially improving survival rates for those born early.

What role does the placenta play in ectogenesis?

The placenta provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. One of the major obstacles in ectogenesis is replicating the placenta's functions, particularly the provision of oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus.

What ethical concerns arise from the development of ectogenesis?

Ectogenesis raises concerns about social, economic, and physiological inequalities, especially if the technology becomes available only to the wealthy. There are also concerns about its potential impact on societal views of family, reproduction, and gender roles.

What impact might ectogenesis have on reproductive rights?

Ectogenesis could provide more options for individuals who are unable or unwilling to carry a pregnancy, but it also challenges current notions of reproductive rights, family structures, and what it means to be a parent.

How could ectogenesis contribute to sexual equality?

Ectogenesis could contribute to sexual equality by allowing individuals, particularly women, to avoid the physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens of pregnancy, offering greater reproductive freedom for both men and women.

Why is the development of full ectogenesis considered speculative?

Full ectogenesis, which involves gestating an embryo outside the womb from conception to birth, is speculative because there is limited data on how embryos would respond to being placed in an artificial womb for the entire gestational period. Current technology is not advanced enough to support this yet.