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Navigating Ethics: The Controversy Surrounding Uterine Transplants for Male Pregnancy
Candida Guerra
College Name, Grand Canyon University
ENG-106 English Composition II
Tennille Feldbush
September 9, 2023
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Introduction
In a world where science often pushes the boundaries of what we once thought
impossible, it seems there's no limit to the surprises it has in store. Biology for instance is the
science that helps us understand how living things work and how they interact with each other
and their surroundings. Imagine a future where the lines between male and female biology blur,
where the human reproduction is redrawn. Science has no limitations, God created women to
bear children not men. The belief of a male carrying a full-term pregnancy will just stay absurd
fiction, no way around it. The concept of uterine transplants for male pregnancy, though seen as a
medical advancement, raises complex ethical dilemmas, highlighting the fine line between
scientific progress and actions considered as unethical, ultimately challenging our understanding
of what is morally acceptable in the realm of reproductive medicine. The concept of uterine transplants has been taken to a different level. Body parts are
sacred male-to-female transgender individuals desire a fully functional transplanted vaginal
structure to enhance their sexual satisfaction (The American Conservative, 2023). They also
desire to have a child just like a woman and have the full experience. Science wants to further
investigate if it is a possibility. The biological aspects of this concept add another layer of
complexity this controversy, the male body is not naturally equipped to support pregnancy due to
several key factors. First and foremost, males lack the necessary reproductive organs such as the
ovaries and a functional uterus, which is why they need the transplant as for us women are built
with it. That will play vital roles in conception and gestation us women conceive naturally. The
male endocrine system is also fundamentally different, characterized by higher levels of
testosterone and lower levels of the hormones necessary to sustain a pregnancy, such as estrogen
and progesterone. Furthermore, the male immune system is biologically primed to recognize and
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potentially reject a transplanted uterus as a foreign object, raising concerns about the long-term
viability of such procedures. The intricate interplay of hormones, immune responses, and the
unique physiology of the male body makes achieving a successful pregnancy through uterine
transplantation a formidable scientific challenge. According to Dr. Jeff Barrows, an OB-GYN
“Some doctors add that uterine transplants pose serious problems for everyone involved—the
doctor, the donor, the transgender patient, and the baby”. Medical advancements have historically been celebrated as milestones of human
progress, conquering diseases, extending lifespans, and improving the quality of life for
countless individuals. It's essential to acknowledge that medical progress is not a linear path, and
ethical considerations play a significant role in determining the acceptability of certain
advancements. Male pregnancy raises numerous ethical, physiological, and psychological
questions that warrant careful examination. Research goes back to 1960, however it was not until
the year 2000 an attempt on a human was unsuccessful (O’Donovan et al., 2019). While this
idea has garnered attention in popular debate and speculative discussions, it has not been yet
proven to be successful. Finding a suitable donor, coordinating complex surgical procedures, and
managing the potential risks of transplant rejection and immunosuppression. When considering
the application to transgender or cisgender men, additional medical and ethical complexities
arise. The procedure carries significant risks, is associated with substantial expenses, and utilizes
valuable medical resources without contributing to life-saving endeavors. An individual desiring
a uterine transplant must undergo a minimum of three surgical procedures, must adhere to a
demanding regimen of potent anti-rejection medications, and is likely to face expenses totaling
hundreds of thousands of dollars. Scientists possess limited understanding of the potential long-
term effects on infants born through this technique in women and possess no data regarding those
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that could be gestated in men (Chan Erikson, 2023).
Uterine transplants for male pregnancy, with their potential to redefine the boundaries of
reproductive medicine, cast a glaring spotlight on the intricate web of moral considerations that
govern the medical field. This revolutionary concept forces us to confront age-old norms and
traditional frameworks of what is deemed morally acceptable in the realm of human
reproduction. How do we navigate the uncharted waters of a world where the ability to carry a
pregnancy could possibly no longer be tied to gender? Years of research and studies can go on to
try and prove what scientist think can be possible. But the truth is a man cannot bring a child into
this world and endure the pain like a woman can. Somewhere in the world, one woman dies
every minute of every day from causes related to pregnancy and birth ... In sub-Saharan Africa,
the lifetime risk of maternal death is 1 in 16, compared with 1 in 2,800 in developed countries.
Those who survive may still suffer. For every woman who dies during childbirth, it is estimated
that another 30 are injured or become sick (Kantrowitz, 2007). Mothers know the pain and
discomfort of childbirth; a woman’s body is naturally growing another human being inside the
womb. That is a gift from god, not a surgical performance. Throughout history, cultures across
the globe have revered the act of childbirth as a sacred and natural phenomenon, often
intertwined with religious and spiritual beliefs. In today’s world the shift sparks a philosophical
debate about whether pregnancy can truly be separated from the physical and spiritual qualities
traditionally associated with women. The question of whether medical science can redefine what
is considered 'natural' and whether the divine gift of creation can be replicated through surgical
means. In the realm of medical innovation, the concept of uterine transplants for male pregnancy,
despite being heralded as a medical advancement, unfurls a tapestry of intricate ethical
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dilemmas. This revolutionary concept walks a tightrope between scientific progress and actions
that challenge our ethical boundaries, leaving us to grapple with the ever-evolving understanding
of what is morally acceptable in the realm of reproductive medicine. As we traverse this
uncharted territory, we are reminded that scientific achievements must always be accompanied
by a profound commitment to ethical scrutiny. The discourse surrounding uterine transplants for
male pregnancy is a poignant testament to the ceaseless interplay between scientific exploration
and the moral fabric that weaves the tapestry of human progress. In a world where the
boundaries of human reproduction are being redrawn, the quest for knowledge and ethical
reflection remain our guiding stars, guiding us through the uncharted waters of innovation and
morality.
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References Chan Erikson, J. (2023, January 30). Doctors consider uterine transplants for male pregnancy. WORLD Relations
https://wng.org/
Ditmore, Tammy (2008) "The Pains of Natural Childbirth: Eve's Legacy to Her Daughters,"
Leaven
: Vol. 16: Iss. 2, Article 5 https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/leaven/vol16/iss2/5
The American Conservative. (2023, August 29). Home - The American Conservative. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/
O’Donovan, L., Williams, N. J., & Wilkinson, S. (2019). Ethical and policy issues raised by uterus transplants. British Medical Bulletin, 131(1), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldz022
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