3D Printing- Fetus

3D printing is an idea on its own that is yet to be grasped by many. The idea of printing something in 3dimensional form is something that has not been looked upon as a realistic innovation, as though it is something from a movie like Star Wars. However, it is not movie, it is reality, and the things that it can do will soon surpass even our wildest thoughts. Before taking this course on its own, I found it difficult to understand the idea of how exactly a 3D printer even worked. With the world continuously developing and advancing in technology, I found myself amazed to find all of the things that the can be done. Something that struck out most to me was the fact that you can 3D print a fetus. The article explains how women who are pregnant are able to now not only view their baby on a sonogram machine in 3D, but can actually hold the fetus in their hands as a way of knowing what the baby is feeling like. This is primarily being done so in order to get a better understanding of possible problems that there may be with the fetus. In being able to physically hold the model in your hand, medical advances can be made in ways of finding what is wrong, if anything, with the baby. Furthermore, it is also extremely beneficial to those who are visually impaired. The whole birthing process consists, in the initial stages, of first-time glances at the soon-to-be baby. If someone is blind, they are unable to do that as they cannot see anything, only hear the descriptions from others. However, with 3D fetus printing, it now allows for parents visually impaired to be able to feel their child as it develops. This as a whole is an extreme advancement in technology and enabling others to get closer and get a greater feel for the whole birthing process. Though seemingly odd, it proves to be extremely beneficial in that it gives an opportunity to catch possible deformities and evaluate situations from which the baby may be suffering. People may tend to argue that it is somewhat unethical in that you are making a replica of something inside of you- the thought is somewhat disturbing. However, after reading the article and getting a better understanding, it shows how it is in fact extremely beneficial in allowing for others to experience the happiness they could not. Hence, 3D printing can be seen as a huge bonus, especially in regards to medicine as it allows for early diagnosis’ to be made as well as giving the opportunity to others in knowing what their baby feels like.

Source: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/22/3d-printing-gives-blind-parents-a-chance-to-feel-baby-before-its-born/