Artificial womb technologies – innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations

Artificial womb technologies (AWT) represent true innovation, and a potential paradigm shift in neonatal care at the edge of viability. As AWT progresses from animal models to first-in-human trials, it raises complex ethical, legal, and societal questions. In this paper, we review the rationale for AWT in extremely premature infants as well as the ethical implications, organized in seven ethical domains: Beneficence and Harm; Parental Autonomy and Responsibility; Legal and Moral Status; Reproductive Rights; Justice and Access; Cultural and Societal Perspectives; and Research Ethics and Oversight.