Emerging Technology

            I researched my emerging technology on Wikipedia. My emerging technology I found was an artificial uterus. As of now it is a theoretical device. It would allow for an extracorporeal pregnancy, which means the embryo would grow outside of a female body. It would allow for a couple to have a baby; however the mother would not be carrying. It can be referred to as a neonatal incubator with extended functions. Additionally, it would allow for fetal surgery in early stages rather than postponing the surgery to end of term. It would provide nutrients and oxygen keep the fetus healthy. It would also dispose of the fetus’s waste. It would also include functions similar to a placenta, an amniotic sac, and an umbilical cord.

            The strengths of this technology would be that the fetus would be developed safely outside of the mother. It simulates like a uterus while still supplying the necessities a fetus needs. The baby could be watched more carefully inside the uterus and surgery could be performed prior to birth.

            The weaknesses of the artificial uterus would be that it would be a very expensive procedure. It also is still a hypothetical technology. Therefore it needs further research and development before it can be implemented.

            This technology would provide an opportunity for couples who have trouble getting pregnant naturally to have a baby. It allows for couples to not have to rely on adoption or another woman to carry their baby.

            The threats of the artificial uterus are that it could pose many dangers to the fetus. There could be complications with the uterus and a miscarriage could occur.