The Ethics of Artificial Uteruses Implications for Reproduction and Abortion

Ectogenesis, the gestation of the foetus outside of the human body, will not for much longer be in the realm of science fiction; a number of projects attempting to develop ectogenetic technology are currently under way. This book examines the ethical implications of the development of ectogenesis. Examining the implications for abortion ethics in particular, this book also deals with the ethical objections to developing such a technology and the uses to which it may be put, such as creating embryos to supply donor organs for transplantation. The development of the artificial uterus may well be similar to cloning: a sudden technological advance with dramatic ethical implications, thrust suddenly into the public eye.

Contents: Preface; Ectogenesis: why the fuss?; The current state of play; Theoretical foundations; Objections to ectogenesis; Abortion, ectogenesis and the foetus as person; The status of the embryo and foetus; Abortion and the foetus as non-person; The developing human as a source of donor organs; Conclusions; Bibliography; Index.

Coleman, Stephen