[The fetus as patient: intrauterine fetal stem cell transplantation]

In utero fetal stem cell transplantation, a still experimental treatment option, represents a new therapeutic strategy with broad implications for diseases related to the hematopoietic system. This survey reviews immunological and strategical considerations as well as previously published cases. Furthermore, ethical considerations on account of the use of fetal cells are discussed and a prospective view concerning experimental and clinical future perspectives is presented.