New Research: Cross cultural perceptions of UTx among the MRKH community and clinicians

Research project exploring cross-cultural perceptions of uterine transplantation among MRKH community advocates and clinicians directly involved in the research and practice of this procedure in Italy and the United Kingdom (UCL Ethics Approval Code: 2894).

Following the first birth after a uterus transplant from a deceased donor, this procedure has recently received significant media attention here in the United Kingdom. At the same time, research in this area is shifting its focus from technical implications toward a broader question: can uterus transplantation be considered ethically acceptable?

Rosa Toriello is an MRes and incoming PhD student in (Medical) Anthropology at UCL, London who reached out to us to discuss her project.  Given the interest in this topic and our community collaboration with Italy (ANIMrkhS Onlus) we are pleased to share the opportunity to participate also with the UK community.

Drawing on a transnational perspective, the project aims to give greater visibility to MRKH women’s standpoints on the regulations governing access to UTx (as well as other pathways to parenthood) in both geographical regions. Moreover, given the experimental phase of the procedure, the research is committed to enhancing dialogue and collaboration between MRKH associations and specialist treatment centres in both Italy and the UK, thus fostering a closer exchange between lived experience and clinical research.

A personal message from Rosa to all considering participation – There’s one thing I’ll always keep advocating for in my work: research cannot be merely conducted on people, but with people. With this study, I hope to honour, even within academia, the activism that you daily engage in. I’m nothing else but a tool to bring further visibility, within a different context, to your stories, needs and, if any, struggles.

Aim of the research

To date research has primarily focused on perspectives from philosophers, bioethicists, and medical professionals. While acknowledging the importance and expertise of these perspectives, Rosa identified a gap where the voices of those for whom uterus transplantation is destined remain marginal, if not absent, from academic debates often aiming to influence policies and regulations concerning access to fertility treatments and, more broadly, reproductive rights.  Therefore this research aims capture the community perception and perspective that is so often under represented in research despite those with MRKH being one of the primary recipients of a uterus transplant.

What does my participation involve?

1x 45minute interview (held online) directly with the researcher.  This informal conversational interview will collate qualitative information on individuals perspectives.  Your name does not have to be used however Rosa may ask to record the session for ease of transcription later.  This will be discussed prior to interview start.

Who can participate?

Anyone resident in the UK or Italy with MRKH who is over 16 whether the uterus transplant (UTx) program is something you are interested in or not.

How can I participate?
If you are intersted to participate then please contact Rosa directly who will provide more information about the project and the next steps.

Rosa Toriello – yjmsrto@ucl.ac.uk

Do I have to participate?

Not at all.  This is a completely elective and voluntary research, MRKH Connect are not requesting anyone to participate merely sharing the opportunity.  There is no obligation to take part and you can also choose to remain completely anonymous and back out at any time.