Ghent's University Hospital (UZ Gent) is taking part in the first symposium dedicated to human reproduction in space. The conference will take place from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September in the Dutch city of Amsterdam. Experts will address the question of whether human being are capable of reproducing safely outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
Ghent University Hospital taking part in first symposium on human reproduction in space
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Specialists in fertility research, space biology and technology, bioethics, geopolitics and law will all be present at the symposium. One of those that will be speaking in Amsterdam this weekend is Kelly Tilleman, a researcher at UZ Gent. She will provide insights into the development and application of advanced reproductive technologies as part of the reproductive medicine research group.
With advances in space travel continuing to progress, the conference's organiser, SpaceBorn United, stresses the importance of looking further ahead.
SpaceBorn United’s founder and CEO Dr Egbert Edelbroek told journalists that "Without the possibility of reproduction, human presence in space will always be temporary. Permanent habitation beyond Earth is only possible if we can safely conceive and raise children in space."
Benefits closer to home
Conception, pregnancy and childbirth in space present formidable challenges. Lower gravity and weightlessness can disrupt key bodily processes, while radiation and disturbances to the circadian rhythm add further risks.
Dr Edelbroek says that "We know almost nothing about the impact on reproductive organs, embryonic development or childbirth".
Research into reproduction in space could also be beneficial closer to home as it may lead to improvements in treatments for fertility issues and result in higher success rates for IVF. Previously space research has led to advances in agriculture, medicine, and technology.