In vitro fertilization

Definition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting to create an embryo, which is then implanted into a woman's uterus. This technology allows individuals and couples facing fertility challenges to conceive and has raised significant discussions around reproductive rights and the ethics of assisted reproductive technologies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IVF was first successfully performed in 1978, resulting in the birth of Louise Brown, the first 'test-tube baby'.
2. This procedure is often used when other fertility treatments have failed, such as medication or intrauterine insemination.
3. IVF can involve the use of donor eggs or sperm, which expands options for single parents and same-sex couples seeking to conceive.
4. Multiple embryos can be created during IVF, leading to ethical considerations about embryo selection and the fate of unused embryos.
5. The success rates of IVF vary depending on factors like age, the cause of infertility, and the clinic's expertise, with younger women typically experiencing higher success rates.

Review Questions

• How does in vitro fertilization exemplify advancements in assisted reproductive technologies?
  • In vitro fertilization showcases significant advancements in assisted reproductive technologies by allowing for direct manipulation of human gametes outside the body, offering solutions for couples who struggle with infertility. This process includes hormonal stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization in a controlled environment, and embryo transfer. The ability to create embryos from frozen sperm or eggs also illustrates how technology has transformed reproductive options for many people.
• Discuss the ethical implications of embryo selection during the IVF process.
  • Embryo selection during IVF raises ethical questions surrounding which embryos should be implanted and which should be discarded or frozen. This decision can involve considerations about genetic screening for hereditary diseases, leading to debates about eugenics and the moral status of embryos. Additionally, this practice can influence societal views on disability and diversity, prompting discussions on how choices made in clinical settings may reflect broader societal biases.
• Evaluate how in vitro fertilization influences discussions around reproductive rights and access to healthcare.
  • In vitro fertilization significantly influences discussions around reproductive rights by highlighting issues related to access to healthcare services, affordability, and insurance coverage. As IVF often requires significant financial investment, disparities can arise based on socioeconomic status, affecting who can benefit from this technology. Additionally, legal frameworks regarding donor anonymity and parental rights further complicate the conversation on reproductive autonomy and individual choice within assisted reproductive contexts.

Related terms

Assisted reproductive technology: A range of medical procedures used to treat infertility, including IVF, artificial insemination, and other methods that aid in conception.

Embryo transfer: The stage in IVF where one or more embryos are placed into a woman's uterus after fertilization and embryo development.

Oocyte retrieval: The process of collecting eggs from a woman's ovaries for use in IVF, typically performed after hormonal stimulation of the ovaries.