Doctors are preparing to implant a uterus into a woman in the hope that she can have children. But is this ethical and wise? Usually, organs are transplanted to save lives, which is worth the risk of dying in surgery and having to spend a lifetime taking immune-suppressing drugs. But this is an entirely elective procedure that is putting the patient’s life at risk (and perhaps her baby’s if she becomes pregnant), and may cause the woman great harm in coming years. Yes, she wants the chance to have natural children, and is willing to take the risk. But is that is all that is necessary to make a serious surgery ethical? Does patient mere desire trump a doctor’s obligation to do no harm?
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