Principal Investigator: Dr Elizabeth Chloe Romanis, Durham University
Co-Investigator: Victoria Adkins, University of Greenwich
Project Title: Values in the Design and Development of Artificial Placenta Technologies

The development of an artificial placenta, a machine that can facilitate the gestation of human entities outside the body, is imminent. This technology could help improve outcomes for premature babies and people experiencing dangerous pregnancies. However, it is essential that we consider the clinical translation challenges of the technology.

The primary objective of the study is to explore the ethical and legal problems that arise in the design and clinical translation of artificial placenta technologies as an alternative to conventional neonatal intensive care. The research aims to understand the views of biomedical engineers, scientists, and people who have had children in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) about the technology, ascertaining what features they think it should have, and how it could be accessible to everyone who needs it.

The research seeks to understand the implications of the conceptual distinction between artificial placenta technologies and conventional neonatal intensive care, the appropriate conditions for clinical translation, and the potential challenges that could arise from experimental uses of these technologies.

The study will consist of desk-based research and qualitative empirical work with potential users of the technology, biomedical engineers and scientists to gather data.

Elizabeth Chloe Romanis is Associate Professor in Biolaw at Durham University. Her research is on healthcare law and bioethics with a particular interest in reproduction and the body (abortion, gestation, pregnancy and birth).

Victoria Adkins is Lecturer in Law at the University of Greenwich. Her research explores the views of specific healthcare professionals in relation to the prospect of partial ectogenesis (the partial gestation of a fetus outside of the human body).