Three successful births restore hope for women facing infertility and position Lebanon on the global medical tourism map
Beirut, Lebanon – November 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to advancing healthcare and strengthening Lebanon’s position as a hub for medical tourism, Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) has launched its latest campaign, “Gift of Life”, aimed at restoring hope for women who are unable to carry a pregnancy.
This milestone underscores BMC’s pioneering role as the first center in the Middle East and North Africa to perform uterus transplantation within a structured scientific research program. The program has already resulted in three successful births, reflecting the center’s continued progress and contribution to advancements in reproductive medicine.
The campaign highlights the possibility of motherhood through uterus transplantation and emphasizes the presence of a specialized medical center supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary medical team. It also sheds light on the remarkable scientific progress achieved by the center, where the combined efforts of expert physicians and the generosity of uterus donors come together to offer women a true “gift of life”; the chance to experience motherhood and welcome a healthy child.
The campaign was launched through an emotionally driven video shared across social media platforms and amplified by influencers to reach a wide audience of women. Its message encourages women not to lose hope and reinforces that motherhood is no longer impossible, thanks to medical innovation, expertise, and human compassion. The campaign was further supported by a series of educational videos featuring specialized doctors, explaining patient eligibility, the transplantation procedure, and the medical journey involved, as well as insights into how BMC was selected to perform such advanced procedures.
Notably, the third successful birth took place in Saudi Arabia, for a patient who had previously undergone a uterus transplant at Bellevue Medical Center in Lebanon. This achievement adds to the hospital’s growing record of success, following two earlier healthy births resulting from successful embryo transfers and continuous medical monitoring from transplantation through delivery.
In 2018, Bellevue Medical Center performed a uterus transplant on a 28-year-old patient, who received a uterus donated by her 50-year-old mother. The procedure subsequently led to the first healthy live birth following uterus transplantation in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey region. Each case is closely monitored, with patients receiving appropriate immunosuppressive therapy treatment as part of their treatment plan.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Naef Maalouf, the President and CEO of Bellevue Medical Center, said: “We are proud to see Lebanon among the leading countries worldwide in uterus transplantation, and to contribute to restoring its position on the medical tourism map as a destination of hope, offering women who were once told they could never carry a child the chance to experience motherhood. Lebanon is home to a highly advanced healthcare sector, with skilled specialists capable of turning the impossible into possible and offering the gift of life to those who dream of motherhood. Through our strategic vision as a leading center of excellence in innovative medical care, we remain committed to delivering a unique and comprehensive patient experience”.
On this occasion, Professor Randa Akouri, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Senior Consultant in Reproductive Medicine, stated: “Bellevue Medical Center has played a pivotal role in bringing uterus transplantation to Lebanon and establishing a program that has changed women’s lives. The hospital’s commitment, advanced medical technology, and highly skilled team made this achievement possible, paving the way for women from across the region to access this life-changing procedure. Bellevue’s journey in uterus transplantation is a testament to what can be achieved when medical expertise, vision, and dedication come together.”
In 2016, Bellevue Medical Center partnered with the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, becoming one of the first centers to conduct uterus transplantation trials in the region. These procedures were carried out through a joint scientific research program between a Lebanese medical team and a specialized Swedish team in transplantation and gynecological surgery, led by Professor Mats Brännström, with the contribution of Dr. Randa Akouri.
About Bellevue Medical Center:
Located in Qanater Zubaida- Mansourieh el Metn, Beirut Lebanon, an archaeological area surrounded by lush greenery and a calm, pure climate, Bellevue Medical Center provides patients with a comforting and safe environment they truly need. The center offers high-quality healthcare services to both the Lebanese and international communities across all medical specialties. Reflecting its commitment to excellence, the hospital is accredited by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, holds the Joint Commission International (JCI) global quality certification, and has received the Planetree international certification for patient-centered care addressing physical, mental, and spiritual needs.