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

Keywords:

• Uterine transplant
• ethics
• Middle East

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This research was conducted without sponsorship/funding.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The author has no financial/other relationships to declare. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Author contributions

KA designed the study, collected and analyzed the data, wrote and revised the paper, and approved the final version to be published. KA agrees to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the College of Medicine Research Center, King Saud University. Editorial support provided by Jeanne McKane, CPE, ELS(D).