Artificial womb versus natural birth: an exploratory study of women's views

Abstract

It has been suggested that the affect of the development of an artificial womb on the mother–child relationship is a vital question that should be investigated as thoroughly as possible before such equipment becomes available. In the present exploratory study, assuming that there is an association between prenatal and postnatal attachment, a structured interview of open‐ended questions was used to provide an initial insight into women's perceptions on this theme. A convenience sample of 20 Israeli women reflected and described their views of concepts such as natural womb, pregnancy, childbirth and artificial womb. While women's natural wombs were seen by the sample as the symbol of femininity, intimacy, and tenderness and a safe haven for the fetus, the idea of an artificial womb raised feelings of shock, detachment, and possible harm to the mother–child relationship. Still, despite their fear of the disadvantages of the possible use of an artificial womb, the majority of the sample would approve its use were there no alternative means of achieving motherhood. The findings are discussed in view of the processes of bonding between mother and child in attachment theory and in the context of the Israeli society.