I don't know whether many of you know the concept behind artificial wombs or if such a concept existed (theoretical), but nevertheless: I shall present background information and pros and cons.
Please add more background information if you feel I am missing something.
An artificial womb contains cells from the lining of the uterus and this is where the egg is implanted. It would have to successfully replicate many of the physiological features that occur naturally in pregnancy, particularly those provided by the placenta. These include the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the foetus, and the excretion of waste products such as urea and carbon dioxide.
Pros:
- Will benefit women who have damaged wombs
- Equality for both sexes
- Women do not need to take maternity leave
- Deaths of premature infants could be drastically reduced
- Artificial womb may be safer than a 'normal' womb, ie the risks of diseases, accidents, drugs, alcohol, pollutants, inadequate nutrition, etc., would all be virtually eliminated
- Will benefit women who cant conceive
- If technology improves, will benefit same sex couples
- Could potentially end abortion debate, ie instead of terminating the pregnancy, the baby can be moved to the artificial womb and put up for adoption
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Cons:
- Quite a lot of research suggests that at some stage the fetus begins to be influenced by the environment in which it is growing, which means that the mother's heartbeat, her actions, and the stimuli which reach the womb all affect how the fetus grows.
- May be used for no reason at all, as women are no longer forced to endure pregnancy (ie more money unnecessarily spent)
So, Yes or No? And Why?