A New Life Is Created By A Uterus Transplant For The First Time
As with many other areas of medicine, the life-saving and healing power of donation and transplantation continues to expand and evolve. That journey took another step forward this June when, for the first time in North America, when a mother who had received a uterus transplant delivered a healthy baby.
The transplant, pregnancy, and birth was the result of a research trial at the Cleveland Clinic involving women with uterine factor infertility. Women with this condition do not have a uterus, or had theirs removed, eliminating the ability to get pregnant.
As with all life-saving – and now life-creating – organ transplants, this successful outcome was only made possible because a woman from Northeast Ohio registered as an organ, eye and tissue donor. An additional level of consent must also be obtained from a donor’s next of kin when the donor has the opportunity to provide a unique gift, like a uterus, arm or face.
“We are humbled and honored to partner with the Cleveland Clinic to make this medical miracle a reality. The real recognition needs to go to the woman who made the decision to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor and to her family who had the strength and compassion to provide this life-changing and creating gift to this new mother,” said Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO. “Not only did this person provide this family with a priceless blessing, she also gave new life to several others through the donations of her organs and tissues.”
In total, the Cleveland Clinic trial involves 10 women with UFI. Five of the women have received transplants, three of which were successful. Two other women are currently waiting to have embryo transfers, and the remaining candidates are waiting for a transplant.
The miracle of organ, eye and tissue donation has given, extended and saved lives for over half a century. There are thousands of people who received transplants as children who went on to have children of their own. Now donation has quite literally created a life. All because one person and one family said “Yes” to organ donation.
You can save and heal lives by registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today.
Register to be an organ donor today
