babies born from transplanted uteruses ethics

Introduction Women without functioning uteruses now have a real chance of making their motherhood dreams come true with a radical new surgical procedure that involves a uterus transplant. Mats Brannstrom, the Swedish doctor who was the first in the world to deliver babies from transplanted uteruses, has successfully delivered about half a dozen babies from transplanted uteruses so far (“First baby from a uterus transplant in the U.S. born in Dallas,” 1).

In the United States, the first baby was born from a transplanted uterus in December of 2017, in Dallas. As promising as it is, a uterus transplant birth is a relatively risky medical procedure, though, and one that has raised some questions about the efficacy and ethics of this remarkable intervention. However, as long as full disclosure is made to patients, who make their decisions autonomously and with informed consent, transplanted uterine deliveries should certainly be an option for women.

In Favor Of There are several strong arguments in favor of offering this medical marvel to women who wish it. The strongest argument in favor of transplanted uterus births is the ethic of patient autonomy. A woman who has access to a medical procedure, who is informed about the pros and cons of that procedure, and who makes her decisions with the full awareness and support of the medical team has every legal and ethical right to choosing that option.

The treatment exists, and in spite of being risky, presents one of the most exciting new options in assisted reproductive technologies. Other reasons why healthcare workers should participate in this procedure is that doing so would promote new research and thereby potentially improve the technology and techniques being used. Furthermore, the option to carry her own child is one that would alleviate the psychological suffering many women feel when they are unable to become a biological mother.

Both utilitarian and deontological arguments support the use of transplanted uteruses as a viable assisted reproductive technology. Deontology promotes the duty of the healthcare worker to support patient autonomy and individual choice. Utilitarian ethics show how the technology creates the greatest good for the greatest number, and maximizes the happiness of the patient and the patient’s family. In sum, the rewards outweigh the risks. Against The first argument against uterine transplant births is safety.

To host the transplanted uterus, the mother must take immunosuppressant drugs, which when taken over the long term could cause health damage and may even present a small risk to the fetus (Sherratt 1). Second, concerns have been raised over whether this is an expensive treatment option only available to the rich. Another argument against the transplanted uterus delivery is whether demand for the procedure might fuel a black market in uteruses. Finally, there are some concerns over whether uterus transplants might reduce the numbers of babies who are being adopted.

Replies to Arguments Against The safety argument is an important one, but one that is based on fear and not evidence. “Women have been giving birth after kidney and liver transplants on immunosuppressive drugs” for many years and physicians know which drugs to use, in which quantities, and how to maximize safety as well as deliver appropriate information to patients (Ghanmi 1). Regarding the high cost of the procedure, this is a valid concern.

Rich people do have access to a number of experimental treatment interventions for anything from assisted reproduction to cancer. This is a large issue that cannot be easily resolved, but preventing those who can afford the transplant from accessing the technology is not a rational or effective way of helping poor people gain access to affordable care, or of achieving healthcare equity. The goal would be to make all healthcare options equally available to all, rather than restrict access.

Likewise, the fear that uterus transplant technology would encourage a black market for the organ is a legitimate concern but not one that can be effectively solved by banning the procedure. In fact, the more transparent the procedure becomes in legitimate healthcare institutions, the more likely the mother will know the exact source of her donated organ. Finally, uterus transplants are one of many options available for women who cannot conceive.

Doctor Brannstrom has noted that uterine transplant is a “complementary treatment” and “ it doesn't exclude surrogacy or adoption” as options (Jochem 1). Conclusion The question of “should we be delivering babies from transplanted uteruses?” is easily resolved with an assessment of the costs and benefits, as well as the risks and rewards. Uterus transplant is a relatively new procedure, and so.