Women could soon give birth to babies in SPACE, scientists claim

"In a new paper, a group of international experts claims discussions about reproductive health beyond the bounds of planet Earth must become a top priority. They claim the 'question of human fertility in space is no longer theoretical but urgently practical' as humanity turns its attention to long-duration missions, such as those to Mars. According to the experts, not enough is known about male or female fertility in space, nor about the development of embryos and then babies in zero-gravity."

"'As human presence in space expands, reproductive health can no longer remain a policy blind spot,' Dr Fathi Karouia, senior author of the study and a research scientist at NASA, said. 'International collaboration is urgently needed to close critical knowledge gaps and establish ethical guidelines that protect both professional and private astronauts - and ultimately safeguard humanity as we move toward a sustained presence beyond Earth.'"

Human reproduction during long-duration space missions faces significant unknowns regarding male and female fertility, embryonic development, and newborn health in microgravity. Cosmic radiation exposure may cause developmental abnormalities severe enough to prevent newborns from returning safely to Earth's gravity. Reproductive health currently lacks sufficient data and policies, creating a critical gap as missions to Mars and sustained off-Earth presence are planned. International collaboration, ethical guidelines, and targeted research are necessary to close knowledge gaps and protect both professional and private astronauts. Experts in reproductive health, aerospace medicine, and bioethics emphasize urgent action before policy windows for setting boundaries close.

Read at Mail Online