UK's First Baby Born from Deceased Donor Womb Transplant, Mother Calls It a 'Miracle'
In a historic medical achievement, a baby boy named Hugo has become the first child born in the United Kingdom to a mother who received a womb transplant from a deceased donor. Hugo Powell was delivered at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, weighing 6 pounds and 13 ounces, after his mother, Grace Bell, underwent the groundbreaking procedure.
This birth represents the first successful case in the UK using a womb from a deceased donor, with only two similar instances previously reported across Europe. Bell, an IT programme manager, was born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a rare condition that results in an underdeveloped or missing womb. Diagnosed as a teenager, she was told she would never be able to carry a child, making Hugo's arrival a profound personal victory.
A Journey of Hope and Gratitude
Grace Bell has expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude following Hugo's birth in December last year. She described the experience as a "miracle," stating, "I never, ever thought that this would be possible. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life." Bell began fertility treatment several months after the transplant in 2024, culminating in the successful delivery.
Reflecting on the donor's generosity, Bell said, "There are no words to say thank you enough to my donor and her family. Their kindness and selflessness to a complete stranger is the reason I have been able to fulfil my lifelong dream of being a mum." She added that she thinks of her womb donor every day, highlighting the emotional impact of organ donation.
The Donor's Legacy and Family's Pride
The donor's parents shared their perspective on the loss of their daughter, noting, "Losing our daughter has shattered our world in ways we can barely put into words." However, they emphasized the positive legacy of organ donation, saying, "Through organ donation, she has given other families the precious gift of time, hope, healing and now life. As her parents, we feel tremendous pride at the legacy she leaves behind – a legacy of compassion, courage and love that continues to touch lives even after her passing."
In addition to the womb, five other organs from the donor were transplanted into four individuals, saving multiple lives and underscoring the far-reaching benefits of donation.
Medical Milestones and Future Plans
Prof Richard Smith, the clinical lead at the charity Womb Transplant UK and a consultant gynaecological surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, played a key role in this achievement. Present at Hugo's birth, Smith told PA Media, "It's been an unbelievable journey. Our whole team has been hanging together now for years and years to make this happen. So to me it's been fantastic, just amazing."
In honor of his contributions, Bell and her partner, Steve Powell, gave Hugo the middle name Richard. The couple plans to have the transplanted womb removed once they are finished having children to spare Bell from a lifetime of immunosuppressant drugs.
Context and Global Trends
This case follows the UK's first womb transplant in 2023, which involved Grace Davidson, another MRKH patient, receiving a womb from her older sister, Amy, in a living donation. Globally, approximately 25 to 30 babies have been born from deceased womb donations. More than two-thirds of womb transplants involve living donors, while about one-third come from deceased donors.
It is important to note that womb donation is not covered by standard organ donor consent procedures, including the organ donor register or deemed consent laws. Families of potential donors are specifically asked to approve womb donation, highlighting the need for clear communication and consent in these sensitive cases.
This breakthrough offers new hope for individuals facing fertility challenges due to conditions like MRKH, showcasing the potential of advanced medical techniques and the life-changing impact of organ donation.
