A New Delhi-based doctor is planning to perform a uterus transplant for a transgender woman in his own clinic.
According to reports, Dr. Narendra Kaushik intends to perform the surgery so that the transgender woman will be able to carry children. The doctor will be using a donated organ from a living donor or someone who has passed away.
When asked about his opinion on the subject, Dr. Kaushik said, “Every transgender woman wants to be as female as possible and that includes being a mother. The way towards this is with a uterine transplant, the same as a kidney or any other transplant.”
Since the donated womb will not be connected to any fallopian tubes, this would not allow the trans woman to conceive naturally. However, it would be possible to become pregnant through IVF.
The only recorded case of a uterus transplant done on a trans woman was that of Lili Elbe. The surgery was performed in 1931, but she passed away months later due to complications from the transplant. The Oscar-winning film The Danish Girl starring Eddie Redmayne was based on Elbe’s life.
There have been two cases of successful uterus transplants in cisgender women resulting in live births. However, medical professionals are uncertain whether this procedure is safe for transgender women. The surgery could be risky, costly, and fatal. But if done successfully, this could be a medical breakthrough that will enable trans women to be pregnant and give birth.
Dr. Kaushik expressed that he is confident that the procedure will be a success since his clinic does gender-affirming surgeries as well. “This is the future. We cannot predict exactly when this will happen but it will happen very soon,” he said. “We have our plans and we are very optimistic about this.”
Is there an update on this? Are they waiting on a donated uterus, or is the surgery on hold?
Yes! I support all available our people in the community. Science is a gift for EVERYONE!! 💜