A baby boy has made history as the first child in the UK to be born following a womb transplant from a deceased donor. Grace Bell, in her 30s and from Kent, gave birth to her son Hugo just before Christmas 2025 at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London. Born without a functioning womb due to MRKH syndrome, Grace had been told as a teenager that she would never carry her own child.
The transplant took place in June 2024 at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford during a ten-hour operation. Months later, Grace underwent IVF treatment in London before becoming pregnant. She has described her son’s arrival as “a miracle”, saying she thinks daily of the donor and her family, whose generosity made Hugo’s birth possible.
The procedure forms part of a UK clinical trial exploring womb transplantation as a potential treatment for women without a viable uterus. Although more than 100 such transplants have been carried out worldwide, resulting in over 70 births, this marks a significant milestone for Britain. Surgeons involved have called it a breakthrough moment for reproductive medicine.
After completing her family, Grace’s transplanted womb will be removed to avoid long-term use of anti-rejection medication. The donor’s family, who also agreed to donate several other organs, said they feel immense pride in the life-changing legacy their daughter has left behind.
