It sounds like something out of a science fiction film, but soon babies may be born from artificial wombs. EctoLife is the first artificial womb facility worldwide and includes 75 labs, each housing 400 artificial wombs. These synthetic wombs or growth pods replicate the environmental conditions of the human womb, like temperature and oxygen saturation. And should ethical restrictions be removed, Ectolife could be growing human babies in its artificial wombs in just ten years, according to film producer and biotechnologist.
Al-Ghaili is responsible for the tech which could reduce premature births and allow infertile couples to procreate. EctoLife hopes to grow 30,000 infants annually and states it will allow parents to customise their babies. The company’s Elite Package will enable parents to genetically engineer the embryo allowing them to dictate their child’s intelligence, skin tone, hair and eye colour and height.
EctoLife YouTube Video
Recently Al-Ghaili released a concept video on YouTube. Said video depicts what the facility will look like should it receive approval to grow infants. According to the video, Ectolife could help reverse the population decline that Elon Musk so fears.
“Every single feature mentioned in the concept is 100 percent science-based and has already been achieved by scientists and engineers”, says Al-Ghaili of the concept video. “The only thing left is building a prototype by combining all the features into a single device.”
The process would involve invitro fertilisation and serve as an alternative for infertile individuals, those who cannot safely carry a child to term and women who worry about the pain and recovery process associated with giving birth.
Each growth pod has an AI camera that monitors growth and scans for genetic abnormalities. Additionally, parents will have access to a live stream of their child within the artificial womb. They will also be able to record messages and create playlists to be played inside the growth pod. Once the baby is ready to be born, parents press a button. The amniotic fluid then drains from the pod before it opens.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
