Throughout history, womanhood has often been narrowly defined by biology, arguably to a greater extent than manhood. This concept is deeply rooted in the physical realities and unique experiences of having a female body. From menstruation to pregnancy and childbirth, women’s bodies go through a variety of experiences that shape their understanding of themselves and their place in society. Additionally, social and cultural norms have played a significant role in shaping the idea of womanhood and what it means to be a woman, often emphasizing traditional gender roles and expectations.

For example, in childrearing, the roles of men and women are frequently delineated along traditional lines. While men may choose to contribute primarily through financial means, women’s involvement necessarily goes beyond just monetary support. Women’s investment in childrearing is a deeply personal and physically demanding commitment, involving months of bodily changes and discomfort, culminating in the intense experience of childbirth. This biological reality places a unique burden on women, one that is felt not only during the hours of painful labor but also in the long-lasting changes to their bodies. Women’s bodies undergo significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth, which can have physical and emotional effects that last long after childbirth. These realities, deeply ingrained in the biological experience of womanhood, bring us to a crucial juncture that prompts us to consider how the future of human evolution might look with the advent of new reproductive technologies.

What implications do these realities hold for transhumanism, the quest to transcend our animal-human limitations? Undeniably, all individuals, regardless of gender, merit the freedom that biology and technology can offer. Yet, it’s evident that modern women face distinct disadvantages in terms of biological autonomy, particularly concerning fertility in today’s world. As adolescence stretches into the twenties and family planning is deferred to the thirties for many, the pressure mounts disproportionately on women, who have a narrower window of fertility. They are often compelled to make life-altering decisions about settling down and starting a family much earlier than their male counterparts, highlighting a significant imbalance in biological and social freedoms.