Will ovary transplants extend women's fertility?
A baby girl has been born in London after the world's first ovary transplant - but the surgeon's comments about women's fertility have sparked controversy.
Dr Sherman Silber carried out the surgery on the 39-year-old woman at the Infertility Centre in St Louis, Missouri. The ovary was donated by her twin sister and already had fully-formed eggs.
The woman, who became infertile at the age of 15, then conceived naturally, without the need for any further fertility treatment like IVF.
Dr Silber claims it could be a solution to worldwide fertility problems, saying: 'We are in the midst of an infertility epidemic. Women do not want to commit to relationships until they are sure it's the right one.'
He claimed that women could have a young ovary frozen for future use and then have it transplanted it back again after storing it for 10-20 years.
Surgery criticised
But Dr Silber has been criticised by family organisations. 'All too often children are regarded as consumer goods to be fitted in when it is most convenient for their mothers' careers, rather than as a gift to be loved and cherished,' said Norman Wells of Family Youth and Concern.
Meanwhile Josephine of Comment on Reproductive Ethics said: 'Fertility treatment is going off the rails - it's becoming a lifestyle choice showing women at their most selfish.'
The British Fertility Society supports the use of ovary transplantation, but only when fertility is at risk because of cancer treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- What do you think? Is it wrong to have an ovary transplant to boost your chances of fertility?
More help and advice
- All the facts about infertility
- Why can't I get pregnant?
- How to boost your fertility
- What's the best age to have a baby?
- 10 things to do before trying for a baby
Sources: Daily Mail, BBC
By Rob Mansfield
Average rating:
