La Voz

Issue date: 1/29/07 Section: Opinion

In the rapidly changing world of technology and science, a remarkable advancement held great promise for women across the world.

After years of animal testing and a successful case overseas, American doctors are now attempting their first uterus transplant. This revolutionary reproductive development has given hope to countless women who struggle with infertility.

However, because of this unprecedented step in obstetric technology, critics and skeptics have questioned the ethics of the procedure.
Like with any organ transfer, the uterine transplant is a risky and expensive endeavor that can cost up to $500,000. It is because of these high risk factors that organ transplants have generally been reserved for cases of life-threatening diseases.

The question of whether risking the lives of the mother and fetus is worth the unique experience of pregnancy is a weighty one; especially when there are the options of surrogacy and adoption.

There is also a risk of negative side effects on the fetus from immunosuppressant drugs the transplant recipients are required to take.

The issues concerning ethics have some legitimacy. However, they do not outweigh the vast possibilities. In time, the procedure will become more safe.

Although organ transplants were traditionally reserved for cases of necessity, advancements in medical science have recently enabled a variety of transplants simply to improve the quality of life.

If medical technology can now provide the extraordinary ability to transplant uteri, then a wonderful new door is opened to the thousands of women desperately wanting to experience pregnancy.

The only option for infertile women who want their own biological children is through invitro-fertilization. Although the new alternative may be disturbing in its novelty, no one can truly be the judge of the ethical soundness of this new scientific possibility.

Whether a woman chooses a transplant, surrogacy or adoption, it is strictly her prerogative. There is risk involved, but this does not mean the new technology should not be available for the women who choose this particular path.

Ultimately the concept of uterine transplants itself is ethically sound. It stems from the woman's right to choose: her body, her choice.

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