Ectogenesis

I recently heard about ectogenesis! Ectogenesis is the development of embryos in artificial conditions outside the uterus! In simple terms, it is the process of growing the baby in an artificial womb!

Looks like there are arguments for and against ectogenesis like any other topic in the world. Some of the counter-arguments are religious, stating that, it is against the creative power of God. Many religions are resisting it big time! If it is so, all the existing fertility treatments, contraceptive treatments and instruments are all against God too! Though the idea sounds  like a recent science fiction idea, it is not a new idea to the Hindus. Hindu mythology has several stories that talk about artificial wombs in several forms! So, I guess, the resistance will be much less in India!

Some of the arguments are social stating that it puts women at a disadvantageous position as they are not needed anymore to sustain humankind. Some argue that it is going to be helpful to women who can not have children due to issues with the uterus. There is truth in both arguments. But, I believe, in near future, the direction will go to the latter. After all, women fulfil a much larger role in men's life than just giving birth to their children!! Sure there will be different expectations at times. But, if someone considers only child birth as the major role to be fulfilled by the wife, he does not deserve her anyway!

My argument is more environmental than religious or social. While I recognize the fact that humans will want their own gene to be passed on to their next generation, I am concerned about the world population. Population is sort of exploding - with 7.4 billion in 2016 and crossing 11 billion by 2100 without the help of assisted pregnancies! I used to wonder if human population is way too high percentage in the overall population of beings on earth! Already, the resources scarce! We are not only creating competition within humans but also we are pushing other species into difficulty as well. Considering that, is this initiative really needed? Can we not motivate couple with no children to adopt or give care to already born humans or other creatures? Can we not stop behaving like primitive mammals that want to pass on their genes - even if it means killing their own siblings? hmm...