UTERINE TRANSPLANTS

Oct. 21, 2019

Radha — India’s first uterine transplant baby and also the world’s 12th uterine transplant baby — celebrated her first birthday. The first birth after a transplant, in 2014, happened in Sweden.

About:

  • The uterine transplant is the surgical procedure whereby a healthy uterus is transplanted into an organism of which the uterus is absent or diseased.

  • Reasons: For women whose uterus is not healthy, or who do not have one, a transplant is the newest form of infertility treatment.

  • Concerns:
    • Uterine transplants are still extremely rare, complicated and expensive. A uterine transplant, like that for other organs, requires clearances at several levels.

    • Concerns have been raised about the welfare of living donors who may end up regretting their choice to donate. A living donation is justified only after informed consent by the donor, and this after counselling by physicians and psychologists.