In a heartwarming tale of medical marvel and sisterly love, 36-year-old Grace Davidson from London has become the first woman in the UK to give birth after receiving a womb transplant from her sister. Diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a rare condition where the uterus is underdeveloped or absent, Grace had long dreamed of becoming a mum.
Her sister, Amy Purdie, stepped in with the most extraordinary gesture—offering to donate her own womb. The transplant took place at Churchill Hospital in Oxford, led by consultant surgeon Isabel Quiroga and carried out by a team of 30 dedicated medical professionals. The 17-hour procedure was done pro bono, supported by the charity Womb Transplant UK.
Just months after the transplant in February 2023, Grace began IVF treatment. In a twist of beautiful timing, the treatment worked on the very first attempt.
On 27 February 2025, Grace gave birth via planned caesarean section at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London to a healthy baby girl, whom she and husband Angus named Amy Isabel—after the sister who gave her the chance of motherhood and the surgeon who made it possible.
Grace described the moment she first held her daughter as overwhelming—filled with joy and disbelief that the dream had finally come true.
The success of her journey is already offering hope to countless women in similar situations. Womb Transplant UK has performed more transplants since, with more planned in the future. The charity is campaigning for the NHS to eventually cover the costs of the procedure, which currently run between £25,000 and £30,000.
Grace and Angus are even thinking about expanding their family before the transplanted womb is removed, which is standard medical practice to reduce long-term health risks.
As Grace cradles little Amy Isabel, it’s hard not to marvel at what’s been achieved—not just a medical first, but a story rooted in deep generosity, unshakeable family ties, and the boundless hope that comes with new life.
