Ectogenesis technology would make it possible to support the complete gestational development of a human being outside the female body. Proponents argue that this technology offers a welcome opportunity to expand reproductive options for those unable or unwilling to gestate. However, by completely bypassing pregnancy, the use of ectogenesis prevents the formation of gestational family ties. Consequently, it has faced criticism for perpetuating a patriarchal view of the family that undermines the moral significance of gestation. The concern is that the introduction of this technology might result in the loss of reproductive autonomy for those who desire to experience pregnancy, as they face pressures to opt for ectogenesis instead. Existing accounts of family values define parents' rights to rear a child, but they fail to establish a right to gestate that can protect an individual's interest in bearing a child. To provide a more comprehensive account of family values, I argue that pregnancy involves a unique quality of intimacy and can make distinct contributions to one's flourishing. Based on this premise, I defend a fundamental moral right to gestate that can help safeguard the option of pregnancy for those who desire it. In conclusion, I consider how a prospective gestator need not provide optimal conditions for fetal development in the way that ectogenesis promises in order for their choice of pregnancy to be justified.

中文翻译：

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体外发育和妊娠关系的价值

体外发育技术将有可能支持人类在女性体外的完整妊娠发育。支持者认为，这项技术为那些无法或不愿怀孕的人提供了一个扩大生殖选择的好机会。然而，通过完全绕过妊娠，体外发生的使用阻止了妊娠家庭关系的形成。因此，它因延续父权家庭观念而受到批评，这种观念破坏了妊娠的道德意义。令人担忧的是，这项技术的引入可能会导致那些想要怀孕的人失去生殖自主权，因为他们面临着选择体外发育的压力。现有的家庭价值观阐述了父母养育孩子的权利，但未能确立可以保护个人生育孩子利益的怀孕权。为了更全面地描述家庭价值观，我认为怀孕涉及一种独特的亲密品质，可以为一个人的繁荣做出独特的贡献。基于这个前提，我捍卫怀孕的基本道德权利，这有助于保障那些想要怀孕的人的选择。总之，我认为未来的妊娠者不需要以体外发育所承诺的方式为胎儿发育提供最佳条件，以便他们选择怀孕是合理的。