China Develops World's First Pregnancy Robot to Combat Declining Birth Rates

In a groundbreaking development, China is set to unveil the world"s first pregnancy robot, capable of gestating a fetus for ten months and giving birth. The humanoid robot, developed under the leadership of Dr. Zhang Cifen, is expected to be showcased next year with a price tag of approximately $14,000.

This innovative project hinges on advanced artificial womb technology, which has already demonstrated success in animal experiments. Notably, in 2017, researchers successfully nurtured a prematurely born lamb in a biobag filled with artificial amniotic fluid, providing essential nutrients through a tube.

Dr. Zhang, who established a company in Hong Kong to spearhead this initiative, aims to tackle China"s declining birth rates and provide alternatives for individuals wishing to have children outside of traditional marriage. Discussions on the ethical and legal implications of the technology have already begun with officials in Guangdong province.

The announcement has ignited intense debate on Chinese social media, with opinions divided. Critics have raised concerns over ethical considerations, while supporters view the robot as a potential solution to rising infertility rates. This follows reports indicating that infertility rates in the U.S. are increasing by 1% annually, as noted by media figures like Tucker Carlson.