British and American scientists led by Prof Magdalena Zernica-Goertz from the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology have created model embryos from mouse stem cells. This ‘breakthrough’ can potentially create synthetic human embryos using stem cells, bypassing sperm and eggs in embryonic formation. They’ve successfully engineered the stem cells to create structures similar to early human embryos, and these synthetic embryos mimic the natural developmental process, which reached the point where the entire brain began to develop, providing insights into early human life.

Similarly, in October 2019, researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands were creating artificial womb for premature babies and received a grant of of £2.6m for a prototype model. They believed an artificial womb would be a ‘game changer.’ EctoLife, the brain-child of a molecular biologist, Hashem Al-Gahili, has gone further by alleging in December 2022 that the world’s first artificial womb facility, an archetypal of what could be if there were ethical freedom, was a result of over 50 years of ‘groundbreaking scientific research’ and will be able to ‘grow 30,000 babies a year’. You can watch it here:

The implications of these ‘breakthroughs’ are both promising and concerning. On one hand, many people believe that medical research can greatly benefit from synthetic embryos. They provide a controlled environment for studying embryogenesis, understanding genetic abnormalities, and developing targeted treatments. Additionally, they hold potential for addressing fertility challenges by offering alternatives to traditional gametes and potentially mitigating hereditary disorders. However, it’s crucial to approach these advancements cautiously and address the ethical considerations surrounding the status and rights of these artificial structures.

Future Prospects and Ethical Considerations:

As we stand at the crossroads of these scientific advancements, the future of reproduction hangs in the balance. While synthetic embryos and artificial womb facilities may promise immense medical advancements, personalised treatments, and opportunities for those struggling with fertility, we must approach this ‘breakthroughs’ responsibly. Ethical concerns surrounding the moral status and rights of synthetic embryos and the societal implications of gestation outside the human body cannot be ignored. 

The world is already bulking under overpopulation, and allowing this research to continue is unethical, and that’s my own opinion, or am I wrong?

Welcome to the world of synthetic humans!