Ethical considerations for non-procreative uterus transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Reproductive Medicine
• Transgender Health

Background:

• Uterus transplantation (UTx) is increasingly sought after, prompting ethical discussions on its definition of success and recipient eligibility.
• Current UTx practices primarily serve cisgender women of childbearing age with uterine infertility, aiming for pregnancy and a biogenetically related child.
• This focus on procreation overlooks diverse motivations for UTx, including those related to bodily integrity and gender identity for both cisgender and transgender women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the current criteria for uterus transplantation (UTx) eligibility.
• To explore the philosophical implications of UTx beyond its procreative applications.
• To advocate for the inclusion of non-procreative motivations in UTx considerations.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of existing UTx practices and justifications.
• Examination of ethical frameworks concerning non-discrimination and bodily autonomy.
• Review of potential applications of UTx for diverse patient populations.

Main Results:

• The dominant medical justification for UTx (treating uterine infertility) is insufficient to encompass all valid reasons for seeking the procedure.
• Non-procreative motivations, such as affirming gender identity and restoring bodily integrity, represent significant and valid reasons for uterus acquisition.
• Current eligibility criteria may perpetuate discrimination by excluding individuals with non-procreative goals.

Conclusions:

• Uterus transplantation (UTx) should be considered for individuals with non-procreative motivations, including transgender women seeking to align their bodies with their gender identity.
• Expanding eligibility criteria promotes non-discrimination and ethical consistency in reproductive medicine.
• Further dialogue is needed to redefine the scope and success of UTx to be more inclusive.