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Scientists Move Closer to Womb Transplant

Successful rabbit test means human test could be 2 years away

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2009 1:30 PM CDT
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(Newser) – British doctors have performed successful uterus transplants in rabbits, meaning they could try the procedure on a human woman in as little as two years. Researchers say they’ve solved the blood supply problems that have until now bedeviled uterus transplants; a Saudi woman tried the procedure in 2000, but had to have the uterus removed 99 days later after a blood clot. The new development raises hopes that infertile women could receive transplants from deceased donors.

Test animals have until now have died of blood problems. But two of the five rabbits in the new test lived for 10 months after the procedure, though they couldn’t conceive naturally. In the next test, researchers will try in vitro fertilization—assuming, they get the money for a next test. Funding has dried up thanks to growing skepticism in the medical community. Researchers hope to raise more money with an independent charity forming this month.

In a couple years, a working womb could be within the reach of infertile women.
In a couple years, a working womb could be within the reach of infertile women.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
kyleleitch
Oct 22, 2009 9:54 AM CDT
Gives a whole new meaning to life from death.
davjc09
Oct 22, 2009 9:15 AM CDT
Oh there still will be, most of our biomedical research goes through academic institutions which are funded through the NIH by tax payer's dollars. Even education for research is subsidized by the government, most who get a PhD in the biomedical sciences not only don't have to pay for school, but actually get a stipend of aroung 26,000$ a year while in school.
myvoice
Oct 22, 2009 7:49 AM CDT
i doubt the pope will be for it...no surrogate mothers is the rule now.... glad pope john paul 3 made that rule after Jesus was born!

 
in vitro fertilization • transplant • womb • animal testing • infertility • infertile • human trials • women's issues • womb transplant

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