Protecting Life through the Artificial Womb Technology: Addressing Ethical and Legal Dilemmas in Kenya

Abstract

Premature deliveries are one of the leading causes of child mortality and morbidity rates globally. Children born prematurely face many physical, social and psychological problems which often affect their overall development. This has led to the development of the Artificial Womb Technology (AWT). Its function is to facilitate the development of a human foetus in a womb-like environment. This advancement in neonatology potentially promotes every child’s right to life through efficient medical care and reduced infant mortality rates as provided in Kenyan laws. The paper assesses whether the AWT promotes respect for the human dignity and hence protect lives of premature new-borns. Using Kant’s framework of human dignity, and other legal and ethical scholarly writings, the author examines the appropriateness of the AWT in Kenya. It also addresses its potential ethical concerns on stretching the viability of premature new-borns, and the dilemma medical practitioners encounter when dealing with high-risk pregnancies in light of the sensitive abortion debate in Kenya. It proposes that AWT if applied, should be limited to the most life-threatening situations to avoid its misuse, ensure its use promotes human dignity, and calls for further research in the area.