Cutting-edge science: womb transplants
From CNN:
Two Swedish women have received new wombs donated by their
mothers in the first mother-to-daughter uterine transplants, officials said.
The first woman had her uterus removed years ago because of
surgery for cervical cancer, according to the University of Gothenburg in
Sweden. The second woman was born without a uterus. Neither woman was
identified by the university.
The operations were conducted Saturday and Sunday at the
university’s Sahlgrenska Hospital, said Dr. Michael Olausson, surgeon and
professor.
“So far, the procedures have been a success, but the
final proof of success will be the birth of a healthy child,” Olausson
told CNN.
The two recipient patients are trying to become pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF has been criticized by many pro-lifers, because doctors often create “excess” embryos who are not permitted to grow. However, as the technology of uterine transfer progresses, I expect that it may be possible to connect the donated womb to the recipient’s own fallopian tubes. That would allow conception to occur naturally, with the assistance of fertility drugs, and/or with artificial insemination– none of which pose the pro-life concerns that IVF does.
So I won’t venture to guess what this medical advancement means for the interests of preborn children over the long term. I just find it fascinating.
This is pretty cool!.. and on a side note about IVF.. rather than say invitro is bad, perhaps we should be encouraging pro-life people who can't get pregnant to adopt snowflake babies.
I think this is REALLY awesome, if it works. The only thing I'd be worried about though is the health of the babies that result – it is a big risk for someone who cannot consent. But I do hope it works!
We should hope that more people adopt orphans, not find dangerous ways of producing more babies.