Full Version: Uterus transplantation a possibility, say researchers
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This reads like science fiction:
To be debated:
1. Does the possibility of uterus transplantation raise ethical issues? If so, what are they, and what is the proper response to them?
2. More generally, does reproductive biotechnology raise ethical issues which are not raised by other forms of biotechnology? If so, why? What is the best way to address such issues?
This reads like science fiction:
QUOTE
Current organ donor networks appear able to supply human wombs, or uteruses, for transplantation as a possible approach to treating infertility, researchers report in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.
. . .
Approximately 1,800 heart-beating, but brain-dead, organ donors were identified through an existing donor network. The removal of several organs took place in about 150 of the donors and 9 had specifically consented to donate their uterus.
The uterus was removed without complications in eight donors. Tissue testing suggested that the organs were, in fact, suitable for transplantation.
The researchers point out that the transplant of organs that are not needed to preserve life raises ethical issues. Thus far, the only human uterine transplant that has been performed was “controversial and unsuccessful.”
. . .
Approximately 1,800 heart-beating, but brain-dead, organ donors were identified through an existing donor network. The removal of several organs took place in about 150 of the donors and 9 had specifically consented to donate their uterus.
The uterus was removed without complications in eight donors. Tissue testing suggested that the organs were, in fact, suitable for transplantation.
The researchers point out that the transplant of organs that are not needed to preserve life raises ethical issues. Thus far, the only human uterine transplant that has been performed was “controversial and unsuccessful.”
To be debated:
1. Does the possibility of uterus transplantation raise ethical issues? If so, what are they, and what is the proper response to them?
2. More generally, does reproductive biotechnology raise ethical issues which are not raised by other forms of biotechnology? If so, why? What is the best way to address such issues?
QUOTE(Victoria Silverwolf @ Jan 9 2007, 11:01 AM) 
1. Does the possibility of uterus transplantation raise ethical issues? If so, what are they, and what is the proper response to them?
2. More generally, does reproductive biotechnology raise ethical issues which are not raised by other forms of biotechnology? If so, why? What is the best way to address such issues?
1. I don't think it does, just at the moment. Transplanting the organ may now be technically possible, and it might allow a woman to conceive normally who couldn't before the transplant.
However, to my knowledge (I'm open to correction if you know better), the immu8nosuppressant drugs which all transplant recipients have to take for life to prevent their bodies rejecting the tranplanted tissues (even with a good tissue match) would mitigate against a health prengancy being carried to term - putting the lives of either the mother, or baby, or both at additional risk.
Until biotechnology can successfully fool the host body into thinking transplanted tissues are its own, without the use of systemic drugs, I don't think womb transplants will make wombless women fertile again.
3. Yes, inasmuch as any effects would take place upon two patients (mother & baby) and not just one, as in most other treatments. The best way to address the issues that arise form this is on an ad hoc basis, rather than banning them all (or allowing them all) on non-medical (e.g. religious) grounds.
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