(LifeSiteNews) — Riley Children’s Health in Indiana successfully performed the state’s first case of fetal surgery on an especially serious form of spina bifida in an act of “medical innovation” that also demonstrates the humanity of the preborn.

WEHT reported that the mini-laparotomy/percutaneous fetoscopic surgery was carried out on the case of myelomeningocele, which if untreated causes “lifelong complications including hydrocephalus, severe leg weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction and learning difficulties.” Doctors credit collaboration between maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric neurosurgery specialists for the “groundbreaking” procedure. 

The gestational age of the baby was not reported, but he or she is being monitored and doctors are optimistic about the prognosis for improved motor function.

“Myelomeningocele is among the most devastating birth defects, but with in-utero repair, we can rewrite a child’s future before they even take their first breath,” said Dr. Hiba Mustafa, director of fetal surgery. “Our ability to offer this minimally invasive, high-precision surgery — right here in Indiana — means families no longer need to travel out of state for world-class care and a chance at better outcomes.”

“Fetal myelomeningocele repair is one of the most complex procedures in fetal surgery,” added Dr. Jason Chu, a pediatric neurosurgeon. “To see a successful outcome and following these babies as they grow up is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the collaboration and dedication of our entire team.”

Fetal spina bifida surgery is not unprecedented, and preborn patients are often operated on in the womb to treat a wide variety of conditions – a reality that sharply highlights their personhood as living human patients.

Abortion giant Planned Parenthood inadvertently admitted as much in 2018, when they shared (then deleted) a New York Times story titled “After Surgery in the Womb, a Baby Kicks Up Hope.”