Scientists Call for Urgent Focus on Human Reproduction in Space

On February 4, 2026, scientists and experts including Giles Palmer and Fathi Karouia called for urgent international standards and new research focused on human reproduction in space. This call was made in response to the increasing duration of space missions and plans for commercial settlements on the Moon and Mars. Experts highlighted the reproductive health risks posed by space environments and emphasized the need for comprehensive global guidelines to address these challenges. Ethical questions related to human reproduction beyond Earth were also raised. The discussions and studies, including those published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online and supported by NASA, underline the importance of establishing safe and responsible practices for reproduction in space. These efforts are centered in Paris, Ile-de-France, France, aiming to ensure the well-being of humans as space exploration expands.