Current scientific research is exploring partial ectogenesis with the aim of finding more effective treatments for extremely premature babies. Partial ectogenesis involves transferring fetuses from the maternal womb to an external ‘artificial’ womb environment, where they can continue to gestate. The development of partial ectogenesis opens up radical new possibilities for the future of human reproduction. In theory, it could enable the development of complete ectogenesis: the gestation of fetuses in artificial womb environments from embryo to full term.

Members of the Future of Human Reproduction research project worked with a design researcher to create speculative artefacts that act as discursive prompts to consider the conceptual, ethical, and social implications of complete ectogenesis. These speculative artefacts are presented through a fictional Museum of Human Reproduction and gathered together as a retrospective exhibition, titled Complete Ectogenesis 2156.

The exhibition was presented as part of the Lancaster University Health and Wellbeing Festival, which itself contributed to the ESRC Festival of Social Science.