My Sister Gave Me Her Womb

Lolita Carlerup was one of the first women in the world to have a womb transplant. Here she shares her journey to becoming a mum

My older sister Linda and I are like any other siblings. as children we argued over dolls and what to watch on TV. and as we reached our teens, we’d sneak out to parties together and help each other with exams.

Whether we were arguing, or gossiping happily together, I knew Linda would always be there for me. Which is why, when I needed her help to become a mum, I knew I could turn to her. But Linda didn’t act as my surrogate, and she didn’t donate her eggs. The truth is her sacrifice was so much greater…

I was 14 years old when I first experienced painful stomach cramps. I thought I was about to start my period, but when I woke in the night, screaming in agony, my mum rushed me to hospital. It was there doctors decided to perform investigative surgery. When I woke up from the anaesthetic, I was delivered the news that would change my life. ‘You were born without a womb,’ the consultant said. ‘You only have ovaries.’ Even though I was barely a teen, I knew how serious this was. Without a womb, I’d never carry a child of my own.

I was one of three sisters and I’d always thought I would have a big family. It seemed so unfair. I wanted to drag myself out of bed, and rip up the doctor’s notepad, but still groggy, I didn’t have the strength.

The hospital referred me to a psychologist but I refused to talk to her. In fact, the only person I could confide in was Linda, then 18. One night, I cried as she held me close. ‘You can have my womb,’ she said. I was touched by her words, but we both knew it was a fantasy – a womb transplant didn’t exist.

Feelings of jealousy