The idea of babies growing outside the human body may sound like science fiction, but research into artificial wombs has been ongoing for years. Scientists in the U.S., Japan, and Australia have experimented with growing embryos, animal foetuses, and even nurturing premature babies in artificial womb-like environments.

Meanwhile, womb transplants have already changed lives. Since the first successful case in Sweden in 2014, over 135 womb transplants have been performed worldwide, including in India, resulting in around 65 healthy births.

Today, artificial wombs are mainly used for preterm babies, placed in fluid-filled “bio bags” that mimic natural conditions. But researchers continue to push boundaries, exploring stem-cell-derived eggs and sperm, and even the possibility of full embryo growth outside the human body.

These advances raise profound questions: If womb banks replace surrogacy, will natural childbirth become rare? Could men one day carry babies? Would concepts like motherhood, fatherhood, or even family change forever?

Artificial wombs hold the promise of saving lives, but they also challenge our most basic ideas of life, love, and belonging. The future of birth may be closer, and stranger, than we imagine.