Provider Perceptions, Opinions, and Insights Into Uterine Transplantation in Canada

This study sought to evaluate perceptions and insights regarding uterine transplantation among members of a women's health care national specialty organization in Canada.

The investigators obtained permission and used an electronic survey developed by Bortoletto et al. to conduct a cross-sectional study of members of the SOGC between April and May 2018. Participants were requested to answer a total of 29 questions grouped into four different categories: personal opinions and attitudes, medical opinions, ethical opinions, and demographics. The investigators compared answers with a published survey of members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).

Of a total 247 responses, 230 were complete, for a completion rate of 93%. Respondents were primarily female, White, obstetrician-gynaecologists within 15 years of starting practice. Statements viewed favourably by most of respondents (strongly agree or agree) included "Women should be allowed to donate or receive a transplanted uterus" (53.5%), "Uterine transplantation should be considered a potential treatment option for infertile women with severe uterine factor infertility" (42.4%), and "Uterine transplantation is ethical" (39.9%). Statements that were viewed unfavourably by the majority of respondents (strongly disagree or disagree) included "Uterine transplantation carries an acceptable risk for recipients" (43.7%) and "Uterine transplantation for severe uterine factor infertility should be covered by health insurance" (59.1%). When compared with members of the ASRM and AAGL, the degree of agreement was similar, except with regards to "Uterine transplantation carries an acceptable risk for donors" (50.0% vs. 65.3% ASRM/67.8% AAGL; P < 0.001), and "In countries or states where gestational surrogacy is illegal, uterine transplantation is a more permissible ethical option" (42.0% vs. 65.0% ASRM/51.4% AAGL; P < 0.001).

Most respondents either felt that uterine transplantation was ethical or were neutral to the subject. However, only a small minority would currently recommend the procedure to their patients. As advances in uterine transplants are made, future studies should re-evaluate providers' perceptions towards this procedure before it is introduced into clinical practice.