Scientists Develop Artificial Womb to Aid Premature Babies, Sparking Ethical Debate

Scientists Develop Artificial Womb to Aid Premature Babies, Sparking Ethical Debate
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Scientists in Europe are developing an artificial womb designed to help extremely premature babies survive outside the human body, a potential medical breakthrough that raises major ethical and legal questions.

According to Anadolu Agency, the experimental system, called AquaWomb, is being created by researchers in the Netherlands and Germany to replicate the conditions of a human uterus. It is aimed at saving infants born between 22 and 24 weeks of gestation, when survival rates remain critically low.

The device consists of a fluid-filled glass chamber that maintains body temperature and allows a baby to float inside a soft sac. A synthetic placenta delivers oxygen and nutrients through tubes connected to the umbilical cord.

Researchers hope AquaWomb will provide a gentler alternative to incubators and ventilators, which often damage underdeveloped lungs. “It’s like juggling ten balls – only the balls are on fire,” said Frans van de Vosse, professor at Eindhoven University of Technology, describing the project’s complexity.

However, ethicists warn the technology could redefine pregnancy and parenthood. Elizabeth Chloe Romanis of Durham University said it introduces “a new stage of human development” requiring fresh regulation.

The project follows similar U.S. initiatives, including Vitara Biomedical, which raised $125 million to advance “biobag” trials. Scientists say clinical use remains years away but could one day transform neonatal care.