Life Extension Technologies and Pregnancy: Practical and Theological Considerations

Abstract

As biotechnologies emerge that halt or slow aging, what significance will these have for pregnancy? I argue in favor of life extension technologies based on their benefit for cis-gendered women who wish to become pregnant. After age 27, fertility decreases, and risks associated with pregnancies increase. At the same time, women’s twenties and thirties are often key years in their working life. If aging is stopped or slowed, women can delay pregnancy past those years. Though Martin Luther may seem an unlikely resource for theological reflection on this issue, his biblical commentaries on pregnancy lend support for these technologies. Luther emphasized how the pregnant Mary, though of lowly status, was essential to the embodiment of God and a testament to the blessings God may visit upon anyone. Luther also emphasized how Eve and other pregnant women help advance God’s promise to sustain God’s creation of humankind. I acknowledge that lengthening the window of fertility could exacerbate overpopulation on the Earth but show that solutions typically advanced, such as John K. Davis’ “Forced Choice” proposal, almost always rely on controlling women’s bodily autonomy and must be rejected. I also show that fears of a Malthusian crisis are likely not only overblown but incorrect given predicted declines in fertility rates.