Uterine transplant: an ethical framework analysis from a Middle Eastern perspective

Abstract

Background: Significant advances in infertility treatment have been achieved over the past several decades, but women with uterine dysfunction, anomaly, or agenesis still need support to carry a pregnancy to term. Recently, advancements in surgical, anesthetic and immunosuppressive therapy have brought the idea of successful uterine transplant closer to reality, but many challenges must be overcome before uterine transplant can become more common, including ethical challenges related to the study and the conduct of this procedure. Methods: This was an updated ethical analysis of uterine transplant from a Middle Eastern perspective, using an established ethical framework that has been adapted for the analysis of research in non-Western cultures and developing countries. Results: Using the ethical framework, this analysis explored research developments in uterine transplant to date, using the following categories: collaborative partnership, social value, scientific validity, a fair selection of study population, favorable risk–benefit ratio, independent review, informed consent, and respect for recruited participants. The analysis revealed a significant need for region- and religion-specific ethical guidelines for uterine transplant procedures. Conclusions: The horizons of research need to expand by addressing and researching the ethical issues related to uterine transplant trials and clinical procedures Limitations: Limitations included the challenges related to applying ethical analyses to work in developing countries, and the fact that this analysis was based on the views and interpretations of a single researcher.