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Short scifi story where reproductive organs are converted to produce "materials", pregnant protagonist is "found fit" to be a mother



I read this story I think in an Isaac Asimov short story collection - not necessarily his.


It’s about a world where reproductive organs where converted to produce all kinds of materials.


The protagonist is pregnant and kept the option to give birth and nurse.



She studies something. In the end she gives birth to a starship main computer and receive a letter that gives her the happy news that she finished school and found fit to be a mother.



Answer



That is most likely "Piecework" by David Brin.


It is also the (unaccepted) answer to this other question.


Women "produce" (give birth to) industrial equipment after having sex with men who have been genetically modified.


The story follows one woman who forgoes fast money. Instead, she studies hard to earn a license to produce the most valuable "product" of all: a human child.


She has to study hard over months or years and pass examinations to earn a license to be allowed to become pregnant and have a child.



I do not know where you and the person who asked the other question get the idea of a star ship brain being involved. This is the correct story, but you have that one detail wrong


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