First baby in the United States born from the uterus of a deceased donor transplanted

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland, Ohio clinic has announced that it has delivered the first baby in North America from a transplanted uterus from a deceased donor.

Uterine transplants have allowed more than a dozen women to give birth, usually with the belly of a living donor, such as a friend or family member. In December, Brazilian doctors reported the first birth in the world using the belly of a deceased donor.

"Through this research, we aim to make these extraordinary events ordinary for women who have chosen this option," said transplant surgeon Andreas Tzakis in a statement posted on the hospital's website. "We thank the donor, their generosity allowed our patient's dream to come true and the birth of a new baby."

These types of transplants were developed in Sweden, where the first intervention was successfully completed five years ago.

The Cleveland hospital said Tuesday that the girl was born in June. Until now, the clinic has performed five uterine transplants and three of them have been successful. Two women are waiting to attempt a pregnancy with new uteri.

The hospital said its program was using the uteri of recently deceased donors, instead of using a living donor "who would need major abdominal surgery to have his uterus removed".

In total, the clinic aims to enroll 10 women in its study.