January 18, 2007
It Just Seems Wrong
I understand. I understand the devasation felt when you can not have a child. I understand the feelings that go through your mind as you face a hysterectomy. I dealt with that at the age of 27.
I had been pregnant once. But lost the baby at a little over 4 months. At the time, I thought that was the worst thing I'd ever face in my life time. And it was, until they told me I had to have the surgery.
I remember the night before. Laying on the bathroom floor crying. Feeling like my life was over. All I had ever wanted in life was a family. A family of my own. At that time I felt I was living someone's life. Married to someone else's husband, raising someone else's children.
I felt like I was losing my femininity. I felt like I had lost all hope.
Now I see where doctor's are planning the first uterus transplant. And I have mixed feelings.
One part of me understands why so many are so excited about this.
But the other part of me wonders why people can't look beyond themselves. I understand the driving need to create. I understand the desire to have a child of YOUR own. But sometimes that just isn't possible.
That's why there is adoption. There are so many children in desperate need of a home. So many that need an opportunity for a life.
As harsh as this sounds, and I may be all wrong here, but this whole thing just smacks of selfishness.
What do you think?
Posted by Tammi at January 18, 2007 05:57 AM | TrackBackI had my Big H just in time for my 25th birthday. I'm lucky enough to have three healthy kids, but honestly, I wanted more. If I were younger, I would do it.
Posted by: Raging Mom at January 18, 2007 07:47 AMI'm another woman who couldn't conceive... but I would have to think long and hard about a uterus transplant if that were the problem... Like a heart or lung transplant, it sounds good... but. Yeah, mixed feelings here too.
Posted by: pam at January 18, 2007 08:30 AMOh geez - I don't know. And I have no leg to stand on... I am in favor of organ donation, and am a designated donor myself. But I can see where this could be a dilemma...
Posted by: Richmond at January 18, 2007 01:32 PMI'm an organ donor also, and really believe in that. But a uterus? And why? It's not life saving, and there are other viable options to having a child.
I just thought it was a good discussion point. I'm curious what other folks think.
Posted by: Tammi at January 18, 2007 01:54 PMIt does sound of self-centeredness. But there are women out there that feel that if they don't give birth they are useless as a women.
Heck, I know someone who had a hysterectomy and calls herself an it because she no longer has her women parts.
Some women are just so self-absorebed with giving birth that they see that as their only point in life.
Posted by: Quality Weenie at January 19, 2007 09:25 AMWhen I first heard about this, I was surprised by it and glad. There is no right/wrong answer to this, it's all far too personal.
I could only answer for myself. As for myself, I/we want to have biological children. We want the "part" or "imprint" of us to carry forward. But we also want to adopt (whole 'nother story there).
I have friends who have no problems conceiving and others that are going to great pains to try to do so. I think if its something that is of benefit, then fine.
It seems a similar concept to an egg or sperm donation, only instead of a surogate carrying the child, they are doing it themself. Interesting questions arise however. Is the uterus empty or come with eggs? How do they supress rejection and yet not harm the growing child? Would it be considered a surrogacy and have to be adopted by their own parents?
Interesting thoughts...
Posted by: Lee Ann at January 19, 2007 02:14 PMI can't say if I think one way or the other is right or wrong. I'm not in the person's shoes who cannot have a baby. It must be devestating; I can only imagine. As far as my opinion goes: I'm an organ donor and as far as I'm concerned, when I'm laying with a toe-tag on, they can give my uterus to someone who wants to have a baby. I really don't see anything wrong with it if the person is willing to take the risks associated with the surgery in order to carry their own child.
Posted by: Lisa W. at January 20, 2007 12:20 PM