Promise of uterine transplant--myth or a reality?

Abstract

The scientific basis of uterus transplantation has been developing in parallel to other organ transplants throughout the modern period of transplant medicine. Immunosuppression and surgical techniques have been adequate for at least a decade; ethics and society have been less clearly developed. To many observers, it is still unclear if the endeavor is an overall positive or negative. Although scientific and technical challenges have been overcome, the ethical determinations will be a dynamic process while more experience continues to be gained. The most significant experience still lacking is a term gestation. Undoubtedly during a nine-month gestation, unforeseen challenges will test scientific processes and ethical assumptions. Despite dozens of animal experiments and a few animal births, no human birth has occurred to allow any definitive conclusions.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; Uterine transplant.