‘Artificial Wombs’ replacing medical termination of pregnancy and rights: A point of view

Abstract

One of the emerging scientific ventures in the world is the development of artificial gestation of human beings and the Artificial Womb Technology (AWT). This technology supports women who are unable to bear natural pregnancy to procreate. This process has been praised by scientists in view of its contribution to the reproductive process and its purview to act as an alternative to medical termination of pregnancy. The emerging technology has its own pros and cons. The first argument against the Artificial Womb is the fact that, it collides with the reproductive autonomy of women. The positivity of such a venture is signified only in the instances where it is used as a choice but not as a compulsory alternative to a reproductive health right of termination of pregnancy. The substitution of Artificial Womb as a substitute for the termination of pregnancy causes serious predicaments to women in countries with highly restrictive abortion laws where they are compelled to end up with a forced pregnancy. The Author has discussed international and domestic legal frameworks. As the concluding perspective, the author has recognized the fact that, women are entitled to the right of physical integrity, autonomous decision making and unique rights relating to pregnancy namely right not to procreate with the right to genetic privacy. If a technology compels a woman to continue a physical condition which she does not want to continue, that amounts to 'involuntary servitude' and a derogation of international human rights law.