Ectogestation: Humane Technology and Dehumanizing Terminology

There is a growing number of research groups around the world exploring the development of artificial amnion and placenta technology (AAPT), often referred to as “artificial uterus technology” or ectogestation. This technology aimed at supporting ex vivo pregnancy has not yet been tested on humans, but it has been stated that clinical application is not far off, as successes in animal studies show high prospects for this technology. Ectogestation technology is designed to keep human beings alive at very early stages of development by allowing them to develop in a device simulating the intrauterine environment. As a result, the terminology of this technology causes ethical and moral disorientation in people. This is of great importance because the terminology used affects the scale of values, and ultimately determines the moral view of a particular bioethical issue and human life on the whole. The way we will talk about life-sustaining technologies for premature infants undergoing intensive care with these technologies directly affects the way we will treat the lives of these children.