How is the fetus holding the surgeon's hand that shook the world now?

The fetus that reached out of its mother's womb and held the hand of the doctor who was operating on it at just 21 weeks old is now a handsome 17-year-old boy who is passionate about sports and likes to collect insects.

On August 19, 1999, baby Samuel Armas (USA) underwent surgery in his mother's womb due to spina bifida. At that time, Samuel was only a 21-week-old fetus. While the doctor was performing surgery on the fetus, suddenly the baby's tiny hand reached out of his mother's womb and tightly grasped the doctor's hand. That special moment was captured by photographer Michael Clancy and the photo, called "Hand of Hope", spread around the world.

"When I saw that picture, the first thing I thought about was how lucky and special I am," Samuel, now 17, told Fox News. "I was really grateful."

Samuel holds Dr. Joseph Bruner's hand during surgery. Photo: Michael Clancy.

According to Life News, Samuel's parents, Alex and Julie, discovered that their baby boy had spina bifida at 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Spina bifida is a serious and potentially fatal birth defect of the brain and spinal cord that occurs when the bones of the spine do not close properly during the first week of pregnancy. If the baby survives, the defect often results in hydrocephalus and other problems.

However, Alex and Julie decided not to give up on Samuel because "he was a gift from God." Julie researched online and learned that doctors Joseph Bruner and Noel Tulipan at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville had developed intervention techniques for fetuses with problems in the womb. After discussing with experts, the couple agreed to have surgery at 21 weeks and allowed Michael Clancy, then working for USA Today, to take photos to raise awareness of the new treatment.

Doctors Joseph Bruner and Noel Tulipan temporarily opened Julie's uterus, drained the amniotic fluid, operated on the fetus, and then returned the fetus to the mother's uterus. While a doctor was asking him about the type of film used, the photographer suddenly saw Julie's uterus vibrate. "Suddenly the baby's arm extended out of the incision, then retracted to reveal only a tiny hand. The doctor reached out, lifted the baby's hand, and the baby reacted and grabbed his finger. Samuel clung very tightly. And I took the picture."

Samuel now (laughs). Photo: myAJC.

Nearly 17 years later, Samuel has grown up and become a handsome young man. He attends Alexander High School, enjoys collecting insects and is passionate about sports, especially basketball and swimming. Having to use assistive devices such as a wheelchair, he is still full of happiness. For Samuel, the old photo is like a message of life that he is honored to be a part of.

According to VNE