Artificial uterus: New hope for children born prematurely

Last updated:March 14, 2025, 09:52 IST

Scientists have made ‘artificial uterus’, so that children will not need to grow in the womb of the woman. The fetus will be placed directly into the plastic bag i.e. artificial uterus and in that they can be developed …Read more

In this way, the development of children will be in the artificial uterus. (Photo- AP & YouTube)

Have you ever thought that children can even grow outside the womb? It seems strange to hear. But scientists are engaged in making this impossible way possible. This technique made by scientists is called ‘artificial uterus’, which can complete the process from pregnancy to birth without pregnancy. Earlier this idea seemed to be the story of Science Fiction, but now it is on the way to become reality. Artificial uterus is capable of repeating all the functions of the uterus of women. It provides oxygen and nutrients to developing fetus. It can be seen in the picture that an experimental artificial womb is being tested to support lamb children.

The main use of artificial uterus is to support premature babies, which are unable to survive in most cases. In the tests, researchers have shown that lambs born before the time placed in the artificial uterus not only survived, but also increased their weight and their hair also grows. However, most people are in doubt about this technique, but the generation of Gen Z is ready to adopt it with an open heart. According to a survey, 42% of the youth aged 18 to 24 said that they are in favor of ‘developing the fetus out of the woman’s body’. The survey was done by the think tank ‘Theos’ (TheOS), in which 2,292 people were asked his views. The results of the survey show that most people are against this technology, except cases where it can save the life of mother or child.

Some people believe that this technique can be a revolutionary step for women, which can free them from the physical and emotional burden of pregnancy. But some critics say that this technique can become ‘a threat to the existence of women’. Explain that in a normal pregnancy, the fetus develops in the mother’s womb for 37 to 40 weeks. During this time the baby’s lungs are filled with amniotic fluid and they get oxygen and nutrients through the mother’s placenta. The purpose of the artificial uterus is to repeat all these procedures in a technical way, where the baby will be kept in a bag and will be given nutrients via artificial placenta. This process is called ‘actogenesis’, which means the development of an organism outside the body.

However, this technique is not possible right now, but in the future it can replace the mother’s uterus. According to the survey, only 21% of people were in favor of this idea, while 52% people were against it. In religious people, this idea was supported and less and women were less in favor of artificial uterine use than men. Chine McDonald, director of Theos, says that people give deep importance to pregnancy and birth experience and are against technical intervention in this process apart from life -saving situations.

However, the generation of Jane Z is excited about this technique. 42% of the youth said that they are in favor of the use of artificial uterus, while only 32% opposed it. The main objective of the artificial uterus is to save the lives of premature babies. Researchers from Philadelphia’s children (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) have successfully tested this technique on lamb. They believe that this technique can increase the chances of avoiding children born ahead of time and reduce the risk for the mother.