Ectogenesis basically means the creation of new human life without pregnancy. Instead of incubating the fetus in a mother’s womb, there’d be an artificial incubation tank. Prospective parents would go through the first stages of in vitro fertilization; but instead of implanting the embryo into his mother’s womb, he’d be placed in an artificial womb. Nine months later, and wa-la! You’ve got a new baby.

Questions:

1. If this technology were safe and effective, what fraction of prospective parents would pay an extra $10,000 to avoid pregnancy?

2. If insurance covered ectogenesis, what fraction of mothers would still opt for a traditional pregnancy?

3. How much do you think the availability of ectogenesis would affect family size?