The ethical landscape of ectogenesis: Redefining birth and parenthood

Abstract:

Ectogenesis, defined as the gestation of a human fetus outside the maternal body using artificial womb technology, represents a significant emerging development in reproductive medicine and neonatal care. Although complete ectogenesis remains largely theoretical, advances in partial ectogenesis have demonstrated promising potential in the management of extremely preterm infants by simulating critical intrauterine physiological conditions. Apart from its clinical implications, ectogenesis also generates a number of ethical, legal, and social issues that challenge current understanding of pregnancy, parenthood, and human development. This review critically discusses the ethical issues raised by ectogenesis, particularly with regard to neonatal, reproductive, parental, fetal, and social issues. Some of the issues discussed include equity, commodification, gestational relationship, and legal frameworks on ex-uterine gestation. This review synthesizes current literature on ectogenesis, particularly from a medical, ethical, and legal perspective, to demonstrate that ectogenesis has a dual function: as a clinical tool and a moral challenge. The article emphasises the need for interdisciplinary discourse and the development of robust governance frameworks to ensure that future applications of ectogenesis proceed in an ethically responsible and socially equitable manner.