Uterus transplantation: what the world’s religions have to say

Abstract

Uterus transplantation (UTx) has evolved from a purely experimental procedure to a clinical treatment option available outside the clinical trial context, offering women with absolute uterine-factor infertility an opportunity to experience pregnancy. As UTx becomes better established and more widely known and performed, it is likely to be sought out by geographically and culturally diverse patients, particularly those whose religious beliefs impose barriers to other paths to achieve parenthood, such as gestational surrogacy and adoption. Many religions do not currently have official positions on UTx, meaning that clinicians involved in screening candidates can expect questions about how the UTx process aligns with various religious beliefs. This article provides a broad background on the current positions major world religions have taken on UTx (or its components) and the alternative paths to parenthood of gestational surrogacy and adoption. It is intended to help clinicians communicate the information necessary for individuals interested in uterus donation or transplantation to determine—in consultation with their spiritual advisors or religious authorities when needed—how these options align with religious beliefs or teachings.

Keywords:

• Adoption
• gestational surrogacy
• infertility
• religion
• uterus transplantation

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest other than affiliation with Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, which is an active uterus transplant center.