The hand of hope. Such an emotive and powerful image, and a testament to the brilliant minds and ingenuity of those who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Dr Joseph Bruner is a pioneer of in-utero spina-bifida surgery, where the uterus is exposed through a C-section and a small incision is made through which the procedure is performed.

This incredible image captures the moment a 21-week-old foetus reaches its tiny hand through the incision to grasp Dr Bruner’s finger.
Photo first published in USA Today Sept. 7, 1999. (Photographer: Michael Clancy)