The standard of debating becomes very high when the advancements in technology tamper with nature on ethical grounds. The concept of an artificial womb is stealing the limelight with its capability to mimic a womb-like environment for extremely premature babies.

The brainwave of artificial womb came into realisation when researchers at Philadelphia Children's Hospital, Pennsylvania, conducted a successful experiment on lamb foetus with healthy growth in artificial biobag. Artificial Womb/Artificial uterus/Artificial biobag is medical equipment that provides laboratory-made amniotic fluid and oxygenation through an oxygenator(artificial lung) connected to the fetal umbilical cord. The purpose of an artificial womb is to help infants born before 28 weeks of pregnancy by delivering oxygen, nutrients and hormones and supporting the development of vital organs. This wonderful technology can cut down the mortality rate of preterm babies.

However, if the development of artificial wombs advances to support the complete nine months of pregnancy, will people prefer shopping in baby factories?

- Madhavi Desai