A woman’s uterus has been kept alive outside the body for the first time, marking a milestone in reproductive medicine.

Javier González and his team at the Carlos Simon Foundation have developed a machine called PUPER, which keeps uteruses viable long enough to study diseases or even potentially sustain full-term pregnancy. The device mimics the functions of blood vessels and organs, providing essential nutrients and waste removal.

The team’s goal is to understand implantation better—when an embryo attaches itself to the uterus lining—and improve IVF outcomes. They hope future iterations might help those with uterine disorders or who wish to conceive through uterus transplants.

While a day may not seem like much, it represents significant progress in maintaining organs outside the body. Keren Ladin from Tufts University describes this as impressive early days.

This breakthrough could expand options for uterus transplants and offer new possibilities for those seeking to start families, but also raises complex ethical questions about extending life support beyond traditional boundaries.