Ectogenesis. Beyond Traditional Parenthood, Within the Future Scenarios of Technology

Abstract

Ectogenesis recreates the entire gestation process inside an artificial womb, allowing it to take place outside the body. This technique, in line with other reproductive techniques (Medically Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy), requires a new interpretation of motherhood and parenthood, even in symbolic terms, but also raises doubts about the boundaries of human physicality.

This article presents an analysis of some data from the research project “Medically assisted reproduction, surrogacy, artificial wombs: new ethical and socio-cultural challenges,” part of the PRIN 2022 project “Genetic identity and child’s status in the era of medically assisted procreation”.

Through the analysis of data collected via CAWI administration of 890 questionnaires to men and women over the age of 25, this study aims to understand the social imaginary surrounding reproductive techniques, particularly about the use of ectogenesis.

As highlighted by the results, the analysis focuses on the transformations linked to parenthood, the figures and roles of father and mother, and the body-technique relationship.

Data analysis shows that the traditional resistance that reproductive techniques have always generated seems to have diminished somewhat (Di Nicola et al., 2018). There is undoubtedly still a fear of pregnancy moving into the realm of the artificial, created not to eliminate unforeseen events or health problems, but which raises doubts about the outcome of this process, which could make the birth of a child completely artificial, from conception, with genetic selection, to childbirth.