Subscribe now

IT’S one of the most amazing spectacles in reproductive technology—the
almost daily shifting of the moral and technical goalposts. Such is the power of
the swift transition, in the West at least, from simply “wanting” children to
having the “right” to bear them.

IVF is now commonplace. Routine egg freezing—and more pregnancies
deferred till middle age—will happen sooner rather than later. Gay men
becoming dads by using surrogates is already last year’s outrage, while mothers
in their sixties are increasingly tolerated. Even ovaries grafted to unusual
places could end up providing genuine ovulation. Are there any technical,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop