Uterine Transplantation: Ethical Considerations within Middle Eastern Perspectives

Dev World Bioeth. 2016 Aug;16(2):91-7. doi: 10.1111/dewb.12085. Epub 2015 May 15.

Abstract

The field of reproductive medicine witnessed a breakthrough in September 2014 with the first successful live birth post uterine transplantation. This success represents the culmination of decades' worth of research on infertility and reproductive medicine. This subject of infertility gathers special attention in the Middle East, as childbearing is given paramount importance in the family unit. And as with any new medical advancement, Middle Eastern people look to their religious authorities for guidance. This paper describes the various ethical quandaries related to uterine transplantation, from a perspective of the religious and societal factors that are unique to the Middle East, and embeds them within the conversation of its alternative solutions.

Keywords: Arab society; Middle East; Uterine transplant; ethics; religion.

MeSH terms

  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / ethnology
  • Infertility, Female / surgery*
  • Islam*
  • Middle East
  • Morals
  • Organ Transplantation / ethics*
  • Religion and Medicine
  • Uterus / abnormalities
  • Uterus / physiology
  • Uterus / transplantation*