A woman received an egg from her daughter and sperm from her son-in-law and gave birth to her grandchild, in Japan. Her relationship to the baby can be expressed in many ways – Grandmother, Surrogate mother, and Mother. As far as Japanese law is concerned, she is the mother, her daughter is not.

According to Yahiro Netsu, CEO, Suwa Maternity Clinic, Nagano, Japan, this happened a year ago. The woman’s daughter could not have a baby because her uterus had been removed when she had cancer. Netsu said the woman and the baby are in good health.

When the baby was born the grandmother registered him/her as her own. Her daughter and son-in-law later adopted him/her.

The healthcare professional who helped make this possible is urging the Japanese government to review its position on surrogacy. At the moment, the government is against it.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today