Women could give birth in space, scientists say

A review by nine international experts warns reproductive health in space requires urgent study as longer missions and potential lunar or Martian settlements approach; researchers say effects of radiation and low gravity on embryos and fertility are not well understood.

Scientists and bioethicists are calling for focused study of human reproduction beyond Earth as crewed missions lengthen and plans for lunar or Martian settlements advance. A new review, published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online and authored by nine international experts, says fertility in space is now a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. The authors highlight gaps in knowledge about male and female reproductive function, embryo development in microgravity, and the effects of cosmic radiation. They recommend international collaboration and ethical guidance to address those gaps. Key points: - The review was written by experts in reproductive health, aerospace medicine and bioethics and calls for coordinated international research and ethical frameworks. - Authors report that cosmic radiation and altered gravity could affect embryo development and say there is concern about developmental abnormalities that might affect a newborn's ability to return to Earth's gravity. - Current evidence cited includes reports that short-term missions did not clearly alter male fertility (the article notes two Apollo astronauts later fathered children) and data from about 40 female astronauts showing pregnancy rates and complications comparable with age-matched women on Earth. - The paper highlights that assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and some biological equipment used on the International Space Station are relevant to future reproductive research; recent experiments cited include mouse reproductive cells surviving in space and a small orbital IVF laboratory reported by a private company. - The authors suggest the Moon could serve as an immediate testing ground for controlled and ethically designed reproductive studies to inform longer missions. Summary: The review frames reproductive health as an emerging priority for space agencies and researchers as missions shift from weeks to months or years and as plans for lunar and Martian outposts are discussed. The authors recommend international collaboration and the development of ethical guidelines to close critical knowledge gaps about fertility, pregnancy and assisted reproduction in space. Further research and cooperative policy work were identified as the next steps.