Grace Bell, a British mother, has expressed her profound gratitude following the arrival of her son, Hugo, who is celebrated as the first baby in the United Kingdom to be born from a womb transplanted from a deceased donor. The remarkable birth took place in December 2025 at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine.
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Bell, 31, was born without a womb due to Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a congenital condition that affects the development of the female reproductive system. She and her partner, Steve Powell, hail from Kent in the south of England. Although she was informed at the age of 16 that conceiving naturally would be impossible, Bell never lost hope of becoming a mother.
In a release from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Bell recounted the moment she received the life-changing call informing her that a womb transplant had become an option for her. She remembered feeling “complete shock” combined with excitement when she learned about the possibility of carrying her own child.
The transplant surgery took place at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford in June 2024 and lasted approximately ten hours. Following this, Bell underwent in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, resulting in a successful embryo transfer at The Lister Fertility Clinic in London.
Describing the moment she first saw her son, Bell referred to it as “simply a miracle.” She recounted waking up to see Hugo’s tiny face with his pacifier, which felt surreal, akin to waking from a dream. Both Bell and baby Hugo are reported to be in good health following the caesarean section delivery.
Bell’s successful womb transplant is one of ten that are being conducted in the UK as part of a research programme approved for deceased donor womb transplants. While three transplants have been performed, the safe delivery of Hugo signifies a groundbreaking achievement for medical science in the region.
Expressing her gratitude, Bell stated, “There are no words to say thank you enough to my donor and her family. Their kindness and selflessness to a complete stranger is the reason I have been able to fulfil my lifelong dream of being a mum.” She acknowledged the importance of her donor’s legacy, emphasizing that Hugo would always know about the incredible gift that brought him into the world.
She also thanked the extensive team of medical professionals who supported her throughout the transplant process and her journey to motherhood, noting their unwavering commitment to her case. “I am in awe of their teamwork, dedication, and belief in me, especially when I never thought this outcome was possible,” she reflected.
The parents of the deceased donor shared their feelings of loss but also pride in their daughter’s final act of generosity. They expressed how her decision to donate not only provided Bell with the gift of life but also left a legacy of compassion that could inspire other families to consider organ donation.
Professor Richard Smith, who co-leads the UK’s womb transplant research team, expressed his joy for Bell and Powell at the birth of their son. He remarked on the successful culmination of years of research and the hope that their story will pave the way for others facing similar challenges.
The birth of Hugo follows over 25 years of research into womb transplants in the UK. This birth highlights advancements in reproductive health, as more than 100 womb transplants have been performed worldwide, leading to over 70 healthy babies born to date. However, in the UK, womb transplants are not yet part of standard organ donation practices, as each donation requires special consent from the families of deceased donors.
Ten months before Hugo’s birth, another historic event occurred when Grace Davidson became the first woman in the UK to give birth following a live womb transplant. This emerging field continues to offer new possibilities for women with womb-related conditions, bringing hope to many who long to experience motherhood.