Ectogenesis keeps chugging along

Dutch team says it could be possible in five years

The film below is a brief snapshot of research into artificial wombs, or ectogenesis. The main researcher interviewed by the BBC estimates that gestating human babies is about five years away. The first use would be for extremely premature — 24 to 28 weeks — babies. But then there are other uses: for women who want to avoid the social and physical complications of pregnancy, for gay couples, etc.

The film is based on a speculative design for an artificial womb created by a Dutch designer, Lisa Mandemaker in close collaboration with the Maxima Medical Centre, a Dutch hospital, and a gynaecologist there, Dr Guid Oei.

Michael Cook is editor of BioEdge

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ectogenesis

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Michael Cook

Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.

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