World's first 'artificial womb facility' is creepy glimpse of pregnancy in the future
This is the world’s first artificial womb facility – and it lets you choose baby’s characteristics from a menu. This is what pregnancy could look like in the future.
EctoLife, able to grow 30,000 babies a year, is said to be based on over fifty years of groundbreaking scientific research.
The concept is the brainchild of Berlin-based Hashem Al-Ghaili, a biotechnologist and science communicator.
He says the facilities would allow infertile couples to conceive a baby and become the true biological parents of their own offspring.
A so-called ‘Elite Package’ would allow you to genetically engineer the embryo before implanting it into the artificial womb.
Everything from eye and hair colour to strength, height, and intelligence can be chosen, and inherited genetic diseases can be avoided.
The second bioreactor is designed to eliminate any waste products produced by the babies, which are transferred by an artificial umbilical cord. With the help of a delicate layer of engineered enzymes, the second bioreactor can then recycle waste products and turn them back into useful nutrients. This way, the facility ensures a steady and sustainable supply of fresh nutrients to your baby.
The birth process is done by a push of a button.
A statement explains: ‘EctoLife provides you a safe, pain-free alternative that helps you deliver your baby without stress. The delivery process is smooth, convenient, and can be done with just a push of a button.
‘After discharging the amniotic fluid from the artificial womb, you will be able to easily remove your baby from the growth pod.
‘Everything is perfectly designed so you and your partner can enjoy the delivery process.’