A baby boy in the United Kingdom was born twice—first in the womb and again at full term which was nothing short of an extraordinary medical feat that borders on the miraculous. Meet baby Rafferty Isaac, a symbol of survival, and his mother Lucy, whose determination and courage have moved the world.

For 32-year-old Lucy Isaac, a special needs teacher from Reading, her pregnancy journey took an unexpected turn during a routine ultrasound scan at 12 weeks. The scan revealed signs of ovarian cancer, a diagnosis that would terrify any expectant mother. Waiting to treat the cancer until after delivery was not an option, as the disease risked spreading rapidly. Yet performing conventional laparoscopic surgery during the second trimester was equally out of the question—her pregnancy had already advanced to the point where it complicated standard treatment approaches.

Time was running out. Lucy’s doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford knew that urgent action was needed to save both mother and child. And so, they turned to an operation that had rarely been performed before—one that would test the limits of surgical precision and maternal strength.

What followed was a pioneering and high-risk five-hour surgery, led by consultant gynecological oncologist Dr. Hooman Soleymani Majd. The procedure involved temporarily removing Lucy’s womb—still carrying her unborn baby Rafferty—from her abdomen. This gave surgeons access to the cancerous tumors growing behind it. Wrapped in warm, sterile saline gauze to maintain body-like conditions, Lucy’s uterus remained connected to vital structures including the uterine artery, cervix, and umbilical cord, while two dedicated medics monitored Rafferty's heartbeat and temperature in real time.

For approximately two hours, Rafferty floated safely outside his mother’s body, held gently by doctors as his mother’s life hung in the balance. Her tumors, diagnosed as grade two, had already begun to invade surrounding tissues, complicating the delicate surgery even further. A surgical team of more than 15—consisting of surgeons, nurses, and anesthetists—worked in unison, navigating the tightrope between preserving life and preventing tragedy.

Despite the enormous risks, the surgery was a success. The tumors were removed, and the womb was carefully repositioned into Lucy’s body to allow the pregnancy to continue as naturally as possible.

Fast forward to January: after weeks of recovery and cautious monitoring, Lucy gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Rafferty Isaac, weighing 6 pounds 5 ounces. For Lucy and her husband Adam, who had undergone a kidney transplant just two years prior, the moment was deeply emotional.

“To finally hold Rafferty in our arms after everything we have been through was the most amazing moment,” said Adam, reflecting on the turbulent journey they had braved together.

Surgeon Dr. Majd, who had only performed the procedure a handful of times before, described the experience as one of the most emotional moments in his career. “It felt as if I had met him previously,” he said, referring to the rare encounter during surgery. Baby Rafferty’s safe arrival symbolized not just survival but a second chance at life.

What Is the Rare Surgery Doctors Performed?

The medical term for the procedure is extra-corporeal uterine surgery, an extremely rare and delicate operation that involves temporarily removing the uterus while preserving fetal life. Though rare, the surgery exemplifies the potential of maternal-fetal medicine when facing dual life-threatening conditions.

Throughout the procedure, maintaining the uterine temperature and blood supply was crucial to preventing fetal distress. The uterus was kept wrapped in warm sterile gauze, and medics ensured constant circulation through the uterine artery. Fetal heart monitoring continued throughout. The team used surgical planning strategies usually reserved for complex oncological operations, paired with advanced obstetric care.

This case also sheds light on how high-risk pregnancies can be managed innovatively through a multidisciplinary approach. It required not only gynecologic oncology but also obstetrics, neonatology, anesthesiology, and surgical nursing teams working seamlessly together.

Lucy considers herself incredibly lucky that her ovarian cancer was detected so early, even before symptoms appeared. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until its later stages, making early diagnosis critical. According to statistics, approximately 7,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and survival rates improve significantly with early intervention.

Baby Rafferty, now eleven weeks old, is thriving—a joyful reminder of how hope, medical innovation, and human courage can intersect to create what some might call a miracle. His story also serves as a beacon of possibility for expectant mothers facing complex diagnoses.

During a recent conference on drug addiction, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. shared a personal story about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. He also emphasized on the importance of helping young people find meaning in life. His speech at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the need for prevention, community, and spiritual support in addressing substance abuse.

RFK Jr.'s Struggle With Addiction

Kennedy revealed that he was addicted to heroin for 14 years. It started during his teenage years. During that time, he constantly promised to quit to himself and his family, but he felt powerless to follow through.

“I didn’t want to be someone who woke up every morning thinking about drugs,” he said, describing the feeling of being unable to “keep contracts” with himself. He shared that he felt like he was born with a hole inside him—something many addicts feel—that he tried to fill with drugs.

He also called addiction "a source of misery, but also a symptom of misery". He stressed that threats of overdose or ruined lives often have little impact on those who are already suffering. “Every addict feels that way in one way or another... and the only thing that works are drugs,” he said.

His message to the 3,000 attendees focused on how deeper issues like hopelessness and disconnection from community contribute to addiction.

Finding A Way Out Through Faith

RFK Jr. went on to describe his recovery journey that started after he read a book by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who suggested that people who believe in God tend to recover more effectively. This inspired him and rekindled his faith in God. He began to attend the 12-step meetings. God was mentioned in his speech over 20 times, and it was noted that spirituality played a big role in his healing.

RFK Jr. also acknowledged criticism from public health experts and was interrupted several times by hecklers. Without directly engaging them, he said he tries to learn from everyone—“even the people who give me the finger.”

Prevention Through Purpose

While RFK Jr. did praise tools like Suboxone, methadone, and access to rehab, his main focus remained on prevention. “We have this whole generation of kids who’ve lost hope in their future,” he said. According to him, restoring connections to family, community, and purpose is crucial.

He encouraged policy changes that would promote stronger family bonds—such as phone-free meals—and more opportunities for young people to engage in service. “The best way to overcome hopelessness,” he said, “is to wake up each day and pray, ‘Please make me useful to another human being today.’”

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a unique wellness practice that brings together mindfulness, touch, and pleasure. For those unfamiliar, this partnered activity involves one person gently stroking the upper-left quadrant of the clitoris in an up-and-down motion for 15 minutes. The intention? Not climax — but connection, presence, and awareness.

The technique is precise: the stroking must be no firmer than one would touch an eyelid. Usually, the person performing the strokes wears latex gloves lubricated with a personal lubricant. Notably, there is no genital stimulation of the stroker, and the act itself is not meant to serve as foreplay.

Despite its name, OM is less about achieving orgasm and more about exploring sensation and emotional intimacy. Practitioners often describe the experience as meditative — a path to becoming fully present in one's body.

OM Was Introduced In 2009

While the traditional meditation practices aim at connecting the individual with themselves, these new age techniques are more focused towards reducing anxiety and calming the mind. OM was introduced by OneTaste. Founded by Nicole Daedone and Rob Kandell, this company promoted OM as "A pleasurable place for your body to be."

However, OneTaste later came under scrutiny, with former members accusing it of coercive financial practices and describing it as a "sexual wellness cult." The backlash led to a rebranding — OneTaste became the Institute of OM. Still, the practice continues to attract individuals seeking deeper sexual connection and personal fulfilment.

Is OM Just Another Form of Meditation?

Traditional meditation is often seen as spiritual or philosophical. Today, it's more commonly embraced as a health tool — a method to reduce stress, improve focus, or even aid therapy. But at its core, meditation is about being fully present and tuning into one’s authentic self.

Still, OM is not for everyone. It involves physical intimacy and often costly sessions. For those who prefer less intensive alternatives, traditional meditation apps and guided practices are widely available.

Are There Any Health Benefits Of Organismic Meditation?

Practitioners often claim increased happiness, reduced anxiety, and more connected relationships. Some report better communication, heightened confidence, and a deeper understanding of their partner’s emotional and physical needs.

While orgasm is not the goal, some do experience it—and with it, potential health benefits like the release of endorphins, reduction in cortisol, and temporary relief from pain. Moreover, OM shares many of the known benefits of conventional meditation: better sleep, sharper focus, reduced blood pressure, and mood improvement.

Getting Started With OM

There are plenty of resources online—articles, audios, and videos—to help beginners explore OM. While there is a common structure, there's no strict right or wrong way. You can even try a solo version of the practice.

Amid today’s fast-paced routines, OM offers a new form of self-care — one that asks for just 15 minutes of intentional touch and total presence. For many, it’s a meditative practice that bridges the gap between sexuality and mindfulness.

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Two made-in-India HPV test kits, which are essential for diagnosing cervical cancer, have been rolled out after successful evaluation by doctors at AIIMS Delhi. The results of this scientific review were announced in a meeting by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The two evaluated HPV kits—Truenat HPV-HR Plus by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, and Patho Detect by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions—were developed under the Department of Biotechnology.

The evaluation of these kits was carried out by a team of experts at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, in collaboration with National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) Noida, and National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH) Mumbai, along with support from the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Talking about the new test kits, Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, said, "Truenat HPV-HR Plus represents the kind of diagnostic innovation we need — dependable, scientifically rigorous, locally developed, and built to serve our public health system. It’s a huge step forward in strengthening cervical cancer screening across India."

How Are These Indegineuous Test Kits Made?

The newly validated kits use a chip-based real-time PCR (RT-PCR) technique, which is known for its accuracy and speed. These kits are designed to detect eight high-risk HPV genotypes, which are responsible for over 96% of cervical cancer cases globally. "The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven-eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme which will be most suitable for India," Dr. Neerja Bhatla, former head of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS, Delhi and chief coordinator of the programme said in a statement.

Cervical Cancer Are The Second Most Prevalent Cancer In India

Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the layers of the cervix. It is caused by abnormal cell growth that can spread to another part of your body. There are two main types of cervical cancer. These are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is also the second largest cause of death in women in India, resulting in nearly 18% of total deaths.

How To Identify Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread.

Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix):

• Persistent symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer
• Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen