I've heard of "baby" dolls being used in high schools - little humanoid computers - they have to be fed, changed, etc. Essentially giving the kids the opportunity to find out what being a parent is really all about, with no child being endangered in the process. The students have to care for their "baby" for some duration of time, over a week, maybe a month. Want to go out, find a baby sitter, hang with your friends, the baby comes too, and needs to be held, etc. Stick the doll on the shelf, you flunk.

As to adult women having fake babies, that's just weird.