The idea of an artificial womb may seem like complete science fiction, but it is actually a fact that the FDA is talking about allowing for babies born very early. These babies, often called “neonates” by scientists, have a lower chance of survival and a higher chance of developing health problems as they grow, because they didn’t stay in the womb long enough. time to fully develop properly.
The artificial womb technology being considered by the FDA has already been used in fetal pigs and preterm sheep with significant success, and researchers believe the logical next step is to use it in humans to help to save babies born too early. Not only could this technology save lives, but it could also lower the number of medical problems that preterm babies often experience.
Brain, gut, and lung development are the biggest benefits seen from these artificial wombs, which often consist of synthetic amniotic fluid in a bag connected to the umbilical cord. They allow the baby to get more oxygen and nutrients, and remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Over the past six years, this technology has been studied extensively, but even with FDA approval, it will still be months or years before it can be studied in humans.
One of the biggest considerations surrounding the details of using an artificial womb is determining how to perform the transfer, which babies are eligible, and how to study the issue ethically. These are all significant issues. Research hospitals will individually evaluate the issue from both a scientific and ethical perspective before deciding whether to move forward.
While the idea of taking a preterm baby and placing them in this type of environment may seem very exciting for the potential it offers, researchers need to be careful not to cause further harm or put infants at higher risk. Today, 65% of infant deaths occur in premature infants. This includes those born before 37 weeks, which is considered premature, and those born before 32 weeks, which is considered extremely premature and at highest risk. This new technology could save many lives, but more studies are needed first.
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