"Pregnancy" in Space is Still Taboo - Homework to be Done Before Mars Colonization: Space is "Hostile" to Human Reproduction

"Pregnancy" in Space is Still Taboo - Homework to be Done Before Mars Colonization: Space is "Hostile" to Human Reproduction

"Having Children in Space"—Can It Remain Just a Joke?

Romance and pregnancy in space have long been staples of fiction. However, this topic is shifting from a "dream of the future" to a theme directly linked to on-site safety management. The reason is simple: more people are going to space, staying longer, and not just astronauts but also "civilians" are joining them.


The report introduced by Phys.org from a group of experts does not promote fertilization or childbirth in space. Rather, it highlights that the current space environment is "hostile" to human reproduction, and that institutions and guidelines are lagging behind in addressing "potential risks," including unintended pregnancies and impacts on future reproductive functions.


The key point here is that the focus of discussion is shifting from "Can we make babies in space?" to "How do we handle situations that might occur even if we don't intend to?" The report describes this as "urgently practical," reflecting the reality that space is no longer just a national project but is becoming a stage for business and tourism.


Three Factors That Make Space Unfavorable for Reproduction: Gravity, Radiation, and Biological Clock

The report identifies three major threats: microgravity, space radiation, and disruption of circadian rhythms (biological clock).


1) Microgravity: The Body's Assumptions Collapse
Our physiological functions are optimized for "1G on Earth." Microgravity can affect a wide range of areas, including fluid distribution, hormone regulation, and metabolism. Reproduction relies on the precise coordination of hormones and organs, so even a slight deviation could have a cascading effect.


2) Space Radiation: Concerns About DNA Damage and Long-term Effects
Space radiation can damage DNA. The report suggests considering the impact on reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) and embryos, as well as future generations (including genetics and epigenetics), while emphasizing the lack of sufficient long-term data after extended stays.


3) Disruption of Circadian Rhythms: Shaking the Foundation of Hormones
Closed environments, disrupted day-night cycles, and work stress can disturb sleep and hormone secretion rhythms. Considering that menstrual management is often hormone-driven, the issue cannot be dismissed with "pregnancy is impossible"; it must be considered alongside everyday medical operations.


The Scariest Thing Is "Not Knowing Much"

The difficulty in this field lies in the fact that while there is a "scent" of danger, the evidence is weak. Animal experiments suggest that radiation affects menstrual cycles and increases cancer risk, but the sample size for astronauts is limited, and there is insufficient data on reproductive function after long missions—the report calls this a "significant knowledge gap."


Interestingly, data from women who participated in past short-term missions (shuttle era) suggest that pregnancy rates and complications after returning to Earth may not differ significantly from women of the same age group. However, data on long-term stays is scarce, and it cannot be confidently stated that it is safe.


In other words, the current situation is that "it might be dangerous" and "there isn't enough evidence to say it's safe" coexist. If we lean towards "optimism," rule-making will fall behind. Conversely, if we only speak from "fear," scientific and medical considerations won't progress. The report calls for planned research and proactive governance to bridge this gap.


The Irony that "Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)" Aligns Well with Space Operations

The report touches on another reality. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is a technological system that has dealt with situations where "reproduction is possible but conditions are not met" in extreme environments, and it has advanced in automation, miniaturization, and standardization. This could align with the demands of space research and medical operations (reducing human intervention, reproducibility of procedures, portability of equipment).


According to Gizmodo, radiation shielding, medical countermeasures, and preservation to protect future reproductive functions (e.g., gamete preservation) are discussed as realistic considerations. The focus is not on "giving birth in space." It is about medical design to protect "options we don't want to lose" first.


Ethics and Policy: What Is Urgently Needed Is "Line Drawing" Rather Than "Technology"

The report repeatedly warns that it is too late to rush to regulate after technology advances.

  • How to handle the declaration and testing of pregnancy during space stays

  • Who bears responsibility and to what extent (operators, medical teams, individuals, insurance)

  • How to ensure consent and accountability when civilian participation increases

  • Where to draw the line if future research delves into reproductive cells, embryos, and genetic testing


These issues involve not only research ethics but also labor safety, travel contracts, international law, and insurance systems. It is symbolic that a NASA researcher and co-author states that "reproductive health must not be a blind spot in policy" and calls for international cooperation.


In the same context, a Spanish media outlet covered this discussion with the provocative headline "Space Sex Should Be Regulated 'Urgently.'" The wording is strong, but the point remains consistent—there are areas where it is irreparable if an "accident that might happen someday" occurs.


SNS Reactions: Romance, Jokes, and the Talk of "Real Contracts"

This theme is easily spread on social media because it has a strong intuitive image (space × romance × life). On the other hand, there is a danger that the discussion can easily become a "joke." In fact, Gizmodo's article includes a comment section, designed to engage readers in the topic.


Organizing prominent reactions on social media as representative "clusters of arguments" looks like this.


1) "If We Migrate to Mars, It's Unavoidable" Group (Connecting Romance and Reality)
The view that "if humanity is to become a multi-planetary species someday, reproduction is the final piece." By writing that Phys.org and Gizmodo are "not a distant future story but practical," the enthusiasm of this group rises.


2) "There Are Things to Do on Earth First" Group (Priority and Resource Argument)
The reaction that issues like medical disparities, security, and environmental problems on Earth are more urgent than reproduction in space. This is a standard axis of opposition that appears in every space news, and this time is no exception.


3) "Ethics Can't Keep Up" Group (Consent, Responsibility, Child's Rights)
Concerns about "who bears responsibility" and "how to protect the rights of the child to be born." The report itself focuses on this, and voices saying "rules before technology" are likely to emerge on social media.


4) "Ultimately, Commercial Space Accelerates the Problem" Group (Concerns About Tourism and Privatization)
While "professional astronauts" can be managed with strict health management, the increase in civilian residents will lead to more "unexpected" situations. The report incorporates this reality by considering even "unintended early pregnancies."


5) Joking (The Topic of "Sex in Space")
The stronger the headline, the more reflexive joke posts increase. Highlighting "sex" as in the Spanish article increases the spreadability, but the main points (risk management, ethics, lack of data) are easily left behind.


However, joking is not entirely negative. By being talked about, the medical and contractual issues that cannot be dismissed with "pregnancy is impossible" are visualized, functioning as an entry point for discussion.


Moving Forward: What Is Needed Is a "Research Plan" and a "Draft of International Rules"

Ultimately, the reality presented by this report is as follows.

  • The space environment seems unfavorable for reproduction, but long-term data is critically lacking.

  • Nevertheless, the number of people going to space will increase. Therefore, it will be too late "after an accident occurs."

  • Reproductive medical technology is advancing and may align with space operations. Therefore, line drawing becomes necessary.


Space development has moved beyond the era of just rocket thrust and fuel. If humans are to stay, live, and work for extended periods, medical and ethical considerations cannot be "added later." Reproduction is at the forefront of this.


While the flashy future image of "babies in space" may capture attention, what is truly important is "what to investigate and what rules to write in advance" on Earth now—it's this unglamorous work that matters more.


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