In a world-first medical procedure that affirms both the sanctity of life and the power of modern medicine, doctors at Oxford University Hospitals in England successfully removed and reimplanted the uterus of a pregnant woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer—saving both mother and child.
The 33-year-old mother, Lucy Isaac, was 12 weeks pregnant when she received the life-threatening diagnosis. Faced with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, traditional surgery would have likely ended the pregnancy. But the team of doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital refused to choose between lives.
“We removed the entire uterus with the baby still inside, treated the cancer, and then placed the uterus back,” said Dr. Hooman Soleymani Majd, consultant gynecological surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals, according to the hospital. “This was a highly complex procedure, but it allowed us to address the cancer while prioritizing the safety of the fetus.”
This intricate and courageous operation involved a team of 30 specialists, including experts in gynecology, oncology, and obstetrics. Both mother and child—now a healthy baby named Rafferty—are doing well.
Dr. Soleymani Majd reflected on the joy of seeing life preserved: “When baby Rafferty visited us at two weeks after being born, it was an immensely emotional moment for me and the team,” he said. “This achievement not only highlights the advancements in medical science but also reinforces our commitment to providing innovative and life-saving procedures.”
Lucy herself expressed deep gratitude and humility: “I had no symptoms before the diagnosis. I feel incredibly lucky that I was not only diagnosed in time, but also able to undergo the procedure without jeopardising my pregnancy,” she said. “My husband Adam and I were made aware of the risks, but we had faith in Mr. Hooman Soleymani Majd and the team. I am immensely grateful to everyone involved in saving me and my baby.”
The story is all the more moving when considering the couple’s journey. Lucy’s husband, Adam Isaac, was only able to begin a family after receiving a life-saving kidney transplant from a friend in November 2022.
“To finally hold Rafferty in our arms after everything we have been through was the most amazing moment,” Adam said.
For Catholic audiences, this story is a powerful reminder that the dignity of both mother and child can be upheld even in the most dire medical circumstances. It reaffirms the Church’s pro-life teachings: that every human life is sacred, and that science and faith need not be at odds when guided by a commitment to preserve life.
In an era where unborn children are too often treated as expendable, this extraordinary surgery stands as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when compassion, courage, and innovation come together in service of life.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
