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Artificial Wombs: What Will They be Used For? - Cord Blood

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Artificial Wombs: What Will They be Used For?

Scientist looking at blood sample

At the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), scientists have been working on a project called the Extra-uterine Environment for Newborn Development (EXTEND). Despite what one might think, the goal isn’t to create humans entirely in labs. The focus is more specific: it’s about aiding the development of extremely premature babies — those born before 28 weeks.

Alan Flake, who is leading this research at CHOP, believes that this technology can revolutionize the way we treat pregnancies at risk for extreme prematurity. Instead of these babies being on ventilators, they could benefit from the EXTEND system, potentially reducing the health complications associated with premature birth.

How It Works

Here’s the science in a nutshell: extremely premature babies would be placed inside the “Biobag”, a bag filled with a fluid resembling amniotic fluid. This setup would be connected to a system that oxygenates the baby’s blood, just like in a natural womb. The heart of the fetus keeps pumping, maintaining its natural role even in this artificial environment.

Connecting the blood vessels of the umbilical cord to this system, however, poses a significant challenge. It requires quick and highly skilled surgical intervention right after delivery. But if successful, this could be a game-changer for premature babies, providing them with the best possible start to life.

The Global Significance

Preterm birth is a pressing concern, being the primary cause of death in children under five. In 2020, a staggering 13.4 million preterm births occurred globally. The chances of survival increase drastically with each week a fetus can stay in the womb. The longer the fetus can remain in this environment (natural or artificial), the higher the likelihood of a healthier life.

This is where the artificial womb holds promise. It seeks to offer a bridge for babies born between 22 and 28 weeks, a period where survival rates have been improving, but the risk of long-term health issues remains high.

The Road Ahead

The CHOP system isn’t the only one in development. Teams from countries like Spain, Japan, and Australia are working on their versions of artificial wombs. Each has its method, with its benefits and challenges.

For instance, while the CHOP system requires babies to be delivered through c-section, another system from the University of Michigan might allow for natural births. However, each system has its complications and considerations.

Despite the competition, the collective hope in the medical community is that at least one of these systems gets the green light for human trials.

From Lambs to Humans: The Leap Forward

Transitioning this technology from animals to humans isn’t straightforward. While lambs have been a primary test subject because of their developmental similarity to humans, they’re larger than human babies at the equivalent gestational stage. Therefore, adjustments will be necessary.

The ethics around testing on non-human primates are complex, given their closer physiological resemblance to humans. Some experts believe that before clinical trials commence, more data from these primates and about the long-term effects on the lambs used in experiments will be essential.

Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth

While the technology has potential, it opens a Pandora’s box of ethical questions. Many fear that this could pave the way for a world where natural pregnancies become obsolete.

However, experts dismiss these concerns, emphasizing that such scenarios lie in the distant future and are not an immediate implication of the current technology.

Yet, in a nation where reproductive rights are politically charged, there’s apprehension. It’s essential to draw clear boundaries and ensure that the development of artificial wombs doesn’t inadvertently influence policies on reproductive rights.

Additionally, what do we call the entities in these artificial wombs? They’re not traditionally termed “fetuses” since they’re outside a womb, nor are they “neonates” as they haven’t been born in the conventional sense. This naming decision might seem trivial but carries significant weight in defining the rights and care they receive.

In Conclusion

The realm of artificial wombs might feel like a page out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s a tangible reality we’re inching towards. While fraught with technical and ethical challenges, the hope it offers to extremely premature babies and their families is immeasurable. As the science progresses, it becomes crucial to navigate this journey with caution, ensuring that it’s the best interests of these tiny beings that remain at the heart of every decision.