Ectogenesis

Ectogenesis is the name for the procreation and maturation of mammalian embryos in an artificial uterus.

Definition

In a broader sense is meant by ectogenesis the entire process of development from fertilization until birth, when this development takes place outside the womb. In humans, this is currently, despite advances in the field of reproductive medicine, not yet technically feasible and appropriate projects would raise far-reaching ethical and criminal issues.

Recent Developments

Current methods are limited to the early stages of embryonic development, so artificial insemination ( eg in the form of in- vitro fertilization), after which the embryo is implanted in the uterus and further matures there until birth. A full ectogenesis outside the womb, this further development should take place in an artificial womb. Such a concept was anticipated by Aldous Huxley already in his novel Brave New World. In fact, today research at various institutes in such a method.

Ethical aspects

The state of medicine in this field and the ethical implications were the subject of a conference at the University of Oklahoma under the title "The Artificial Womb and Designer Babies" in 2002. If a full ectogenesis be technically feasible, in particular impact on the debate over abortion would have occurred; this is based on the previously applicable requirement that an embryo outside the womb is not viable; the progress in the medical field could change in the near future but this might.

• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Ethics