Artificial womb technologies - innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations.
Publication
, Journal Article
Paul, J; De Bie, FR; Johnston, H; Antiel, RM
Published in: J Pediatr Surg
November 19, 2025
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. We conclude with a discussion of the next steps towards responsible clinical translation of AWT.
Duke Scholars
Published In
J Pediatr Surg
DOI
EISSN
1531-5037
Publication Date
November 19, 2025
Volume
61
Issue
2
Start / End Page
162827
Location
United States
Related Subject Headings
- Pediatrics
- 3213 Paediatrics
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
Citation
APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Paul, J., De Bie, F. R., Johnston, H., & Antiel, R. M. (2025). Artificial womb technologies - innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations. J Pediatr Surg, 61(2), 162827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162827
Paul, Jennifer, Felix R. De Bie, Hannah Johnston, and Ryan M. Antiel. “Artificial womb technologies - innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations.” J Pediatr Surg 61, no. 2 (November 19, 2025): 162827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162827.
Paul J, De Bie FR, Johnston H, Antiel RM. Artificial womb technologies - innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Nov 19;61(2):162827.
Paul, Jennifer, et al. “Artificial womb technologies - innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations.” J Pediatr Surg, vol. 61, no. 2, Nov. 2025, p. 162827. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162827.
Paul J, De Bie FR, Johnston H, Antiel RM. Artificial womb technologies - innovation at the edge of viability: ethical considerations. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Nov 19;61(2):162827.
Published In
J Pediatr Surg
DOI
EISSN
1531-5037
Publication Date
November 19, 2025
Volume
61
Issue
2
Start / End Page
162827
Location
United States
Related Subject Headings
- Pediatrics
- 3213 Paediatrics
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine