The idea of an artificial womb seems to be something out of science fiction. Scientist are currently working on the technology to grow babies in an artificial womb. This could mean a lot to women who can’t conceive for various reasons. It could also mean a lot to working women who want to work and have babies.
Just like with a womb, the artificial one would have to be able to deliver nutrients and oxygen, and be able to dispose of waste. Waste disposal is possible through dialysis. Using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a method of getting oxygen to the fetus, scientists were able to keep goat fetuses alive for 237 hours. The matter of nutritional and hormonal stability are still needing to be worked on.
One of the reasons for the research is for the health of the fetus. In a controlled environment it would be easier to be sure the fetus is healthy. A mothers womb is susceptible to many lifestyle and environmental changes. An artificial womb wouldn’t be effected by any of these things.
There is a question of natural development. As the fetus is developing, at some point it is influenced by what it can hear outside the womb. No one is sure how much the fetus can hear or understand through the walls of the womb, but it is understood that it is beneficial. There is no way of knowing what issues could arise if we remove that stage of development.
The idea of an artificial womb is astounding, and the technology won’t be available to the public anytime soon.