UK Welcomes First Baby Born from Uterus Transplant

A historic development in reproductive health was achieved in the UK with the birth of a baby girl to a mother who received a transplanted uterus. This marks the first successful uterus transplant birth in the country, a milestone applauded by both the medical community and the public.

Grace Davidson, aged 36, born without a functional uterus due to a rare disorder, gave birth to her daughter Amy in February 2025. This was made possible by a groundbreaking surgical procedure performed in 2023.

An Emotionally Powerful Journey

For Grace and her husband Angus, this achievement transcended medical advancement; it was intensely personal. Grace was diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a condition characterized by an absent or underdeveloped uterus while preserving normal ovarian function.

“I always felt a strong urge to become a mother, but for years it was too heartbreaking to dwell on,” Grace remembers. The couple initially considered options such as surrogacy and adoption but ultimately prioritized having a biological child.

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The Gift of a Sister’s Womb

Opting for a uterus transplant was a complex decision. Grace’s mother was evaluated as a donor but her uterus was not viable.

In 2019, Grace’s sister Amy, who already had two children and did not plan for more, was assessed as a potential donor. Following extensive consultations, Amy agreed to donate her uterus to Grace.

Following the transplant, Grace’s IVF cycle was successful on the first try, leading to her pregnancy. Grace described the moment as “overwhelming because we had never allowed ourselves to truly imagine holding her.”

Pioneering Surgery at Oxford

In February 2023, a multidisciplinary team of over 30 experts performed the uterus transplant at Churchill Hospital, Oxford. The intricate 17-hour surgery involved transplanting Amy’s uterus into Grace, who began menstruating within two weeks—an encouraging sign of success.

Lead surgeon Isabel Quiroga described the procedure as “life-enhancing and life-creating,” stating it “couldn’t be more rewarding.”

Welcoming Baby Amy and Looking Ahead

Reports from BBC confirm baby Amy was delivered by cesarean section at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London, on February 27, 2025. Weighing just over two kilograms, she was named in honor of her aunt’s generous donation.

Grace and Angus described the moment of holding their daughter as “incredible” and “surreal.” They hope to expand their family with a second child when medically appropriate.

Balancing Innovation with Caution

While revolutionary, the procedure carries certain risks. To prevent rejection of the transplanted uterus, Grace has been on immunosuppressive therapy, which may elevate cancer risks if used long-term.

Medical professionals plan to remove the transplanted uterus after Grace’s expected second child is born, allowing her to discontinue immunosuppressants. Surgeons are hopeful that any risks associated with the medications will normalize following removal of the uterus.