UK approves first 10 womb transplants following successful Sweden operations

Zee Media Bureau

London: As a part of a clinical trial, UK’s first womb transplant is set to take place next year in which 10 women will get the chance to carry their own babies.

Imperial College London has granted ethical approval for 10 transplants following the birth of a baby boy last year after a successful procedure in Sweden.

The first UK baby from a womb transplant could be born in late 2017 or early 2018 if this clinical trial is successful.

More than 100 women have already been identified as potential recipients of donor wombs.

Dr Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecologist at the Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital in London who has been working on the project for 19 years will lead the UK's transplant team.

He said the technique offers hope to those whose only option is surrogacy or adoption. "I've met many of the women who want this and it's really important for them and their partners. There is no doubting that, for many couples, childlessness is a disaster.