Artificial womb technologies – innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations

jpedsurg.org

Artificial womb technologies (AWT) represent true innovation, and a potential paradigm shift in neonatal care at the edge of viability. As AWT progresses from animal models to first-in-human trials, it raises complex ethical, legal, and societal questions. In this paper, we review the rationale for AWT in extremely premature infants as well as the ethical implications, organized in seven ethical domains: Beneficence and Harm; Parental Autonomy and Responsibility; Legal and Moral Status; Reproductive Rights; Justice and Access; Cultural and Societal Perspectives; and Research Ethics and Oversight.

jpedsurg.org shows its articles on its own site.

Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗

Article · Nov 2025 · 1 min read

In brief

This article examines the ethical landscape surrounding artificial womb technologies as they transition from preclinical research to potential clinical application for extremely premature infants. The authors systematically analyze seven key ethical domains including parental autonomy, justice in access, and research oversight considerations that will shape the responsible development and implementation of this emerging technology.

- Artificial womb technology may shift viability thresholds for extremely premature infants, requiring new clinical protocols - Seven ethical domains must guide AWT implementation: beneficence, parental autonomy, legal status, reproductive rights, justice, culture, research ethics - First-in-human AWT trials demand robust oversight frameworks balancing innovation with patient safety and informed consent - Access equity concerns arise as AWT may create disparities between institutions with advanced neonatal capabilities - Legal and moral status questions emerge regarding fetal personhood and parental rights during ex-utero gestation

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.

Read it at the source ↗