In a remarkable development in reproductive medicine, a baby boy has become the first child in the UK to be born from a womb transplanted from a deceased donor. Grace Bell, a 30-something woman from Kent who was born without a viable womb, welcomed her son, Hugo, ten weeks ago, calling the experience “simply a miracle.” This pioneering achievement not only brings joy to Bell and her partner, Steve Powell, but also holds the promise of hope for many women facing similar challenges.
A Journey of Hope and Gratitude
Hugo entered the world just before Christmas 2025, weighing nearly 7lbs, at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in west London. Grace, who has a condition known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, was diagnosed at the age of 16 with the reality that she would be unable to carry a child. However, her dream of motherhood was reignited when she was informed that a womb was available for transplantation.
“I was in complete shock and really excited,” Grace recalled of the moment she received the life-changing news. Yet, she remained acutely aware of the profound gift being offered by the donor family. “I think of my donor and her family every day and pray they find some peace in knowing their daughter gave me the biggest gift: the gift of life,” she expressed, highlighting the emotional complexity of the situation.
The Medical Breakthrough
The successful transplant was performed in June 2024 at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford, followed by IVF treatment at The Lister Fertility Clinic in London. Surgeons described Hugo’s birth as a “ground-breaking moment” in medical history. Grace and Steve expressed their deep appreciation for the kindness of the donor family, as well as the dedication of the medical teams involved in their journey.
Professor Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecologist and a key figure in the research of womb transplantation for over 25 years, was present during the birth and praised the collaborative effort of the many professionals involved. “A huge team of people has been part of this process,” he noted, underscoring the extensive work that has gone into making such a birth possible.
Expanding Hope for Women Without Wombs
Hugo’s birth underscores a significant milestone in the UK’s clinical trial programme, which includes ten womb transplants from deceased donors. This is only the third womb transplant performed in the UK; the first living donor transplant took place in 2025, resulting in the birth of baby Amy. The medical community sees these milestones as crucial developments in providing options for women with MRKH syndrome and similar conditions.
Transplant surgeon Isabel Quiroga expressed her delight at Hugo’s arrival, describing it as a significant advancement for organ transplantation in the UK. She stated, “Very few babies have been born in Europe as a result of their mothers receiving a womb from a deceased donor.” The aim of the trial is to determine if this procedure can be approved as a regular treatment option for women of child-bearing age without viable wombs.
In a move that reflects their gratitude to the medical teams, Grace and Steve have chosen to give Hugo the middle name Richard, after Professor Smith.
The Future of Womb Transplantation
Looking ahead, the couple is considering the possibility of a second child. Should they choose to proceed, surgeons will later remove the transplanted womb to spare Grace from a lifetime of immunosuppressant medications necessary to prevent her body from rejecting the organ.
The donor family, who wish to remain anonymous, expressed their pride in the legacy their daughter has left behind, having also donated five other organs that aided four individuals. “Through organ donation, she has given other families the precious gift of time, hope, healing, and now life,” they stated, highlighting the profound impact of such selfless acts.
Why it Matters
The birth of Hugo represents a significant leap forward in reproductive medicine, offering renewed hope to countless women who have long been told they cannot carry their own children. This milestone not only embodies the power of medical innovation but also reinforces the importance of organ donation, showcasing how one individual’s legacy can create life-changing opportunities for others. As the medical community continues to explore the possibilities of womb transplantation, the potential for hope and healing expands, paving the way for a future where more families can experience the joy of childbirth.
