What happened to "Baby Fae" in 1984?

In 1984, doctors at Loma Linda University Medical Center performed a groundbreaking procedure by transplanting a baboon's heart into a premature infant named "Baby Fae" in an effort to save her life.

Why was the "Baby Fae" heart transplant controversial?

The "Baby Fae" heart transplant was controversial because it involved using an animal's heart, which raised ethical concerns from medical experts and animal rights activists. Some also questioned whether doctors had made enough effort to find a compatible human heart.

How did "Baby Fae's" parents feel about the procedure?

Despite the controversy, "Baby Fae's" parents, Teresa and Howard, supported the doctors' decision and had no regrets about the procedure, even saying they would choose the baboon heart again if it was the most compatible option.

Home / Health / Doctors Transplant Baboon Heart into Premature Infant in Controversial 1984 Procedure

Doctors Transplant Baboon Heart into Premature Infant in Controversial 1984 Procedure

15 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Premature infant's life saved by baboon heart transplant in 1984
Procedure sparked controversy from medical ethicists and animal rights activists
Parents had no regrets, said the baboon heart "tripled her lifetime"

Doctors Transplant Baboon Heart into Premature Infant in Controversial 1984 Procedure

In November 1984, the nation was captivated by the story of "Baby Fae," a premature infant born with an underdeveloped heart. When the baby's condition worsened within days of birth, doctors at Loma Linda University Medical Center made the unprecedented decision to transplant a baboon's heart into the infant.