In Vitro Fertilization

A couple dreams of having a baby, takes all the natural steps to make it happen and nine months later delivers a healthy boy or girl. Unfortunately, this doesn't work for a large population of parents and they soon become physical, financial and emotional prey to the scientific discoveries that promise to "make all of their dreams come true". From the beginning of time man has always had a fascination with human creation and searched for ways to become the creator. Technology advanced and man soon found a way through the invention of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. One procedure in particular, in vitro fertilization (IVF), was first introduced to the United States around 1981 and thought to be a miracle cure for reproductively-challenged couples. Over 25 years later, studies clearly show its success; however one cannot ignore the physical, emotional and financial casualties of this procedure as well.

What is IVF exactly? IVF consists of combining a sperm and egg in a controlled medical environment for the purpose of re-implantation into the uterus of the female. As defined by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine "...In IVF, eggs are surgically removed from the ovary and mixed with sperm outside the body in a Petri dish ("in vitro" is Latin for "in glass"). After about 40 hours, the eggs are examined to see if they have become fertilized by the sperm and are dividing into cells. These fertilized eggs (embryos) are then placed in the women's uterus, thus bypassing the fallopian tubes." After the embryo transfer, various steps are taken including bed rest and daily hormone injections, hoping to increase the chances that the embryo actually implants. With a 75% fail rate on the first procedure, couples are often forced to repeat the procedure several times; with no guarantee of success. Due to the extreme cost per attempt, many couples are unable to continue and embryos are left on ice for future use or disposal.

The laws and regulations governing ART vary between different countries. For instance, some countries limit the maximum number of embryos to be transferred; some do not allow human embryo freezing or restrict the storage period of the embryo and some countries do not permit the treatment of single women. Controversy over IVF is clearly unanimous; only the degree of controversy appears to be what is in question. Countries not only disagree on the level of acceptability, but in the USA for instance, each state has adopted its own legislation regulating its use.

According to a recent study by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "...About 12 percent of women (7.3 million) in the United States aged 15-44 had difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term..." and these numbers are on the rise. The most recent National Summary and Fertility Clinic report generated by the CDC states- of the 422 fertility clinics in operation in the United States in 2005, "...the 134,260 ART cycles performed at these reporting clinics in 2005 resulted in 38,910 live births." 99% of the ART cycles documented were the IVF procedure. That is an overall success rate of 28.9%; more importantly, a failure rate of 71.1%. Financially, based upon the documented cost per cycle averaging $12,000, these clinics raked in over $1,600,000 alone in 2005. Last but definitely not least, there is the issue of the embryo itself. Christianity Today cited a statistical report from The Washington Post that should give pause to anyone who believes life begins at conception. It stated ..."nearly 400,000 embryos, ...lie frozen in laboratories throughout this nation." It went on to clarify that "...these embryos came into being through in vitro fertilization (IVF)."

So, exactly how far should this Promethian science intervene in the natural course of life?

Understandably it is a natural human instinct and desire to reproduce. It is also human nature to seek control over the very thing that should come so naturally to us. Science appears to endow us with this power. There is no question that IVF is a potentially viable alternative for couples who would otherwise be unable to produce a biological child. As a woman who suffered this very affliction, I understand wholeheartedly the tenacity with which one approaches the quest to have a baby. After artificial insemination and losing my twins, one at 4 months and one at 7 ½ months gestation, I began to question "how much intervention is too much?" Who assists the family in the aftermath of a "less than successful" procedure? For example, the odds of creating a "multiple" pregnancy are substantially higher with ART and often result in premature deliveries, lengthy hospital days, risk of mental and physical complications, and often death of at least one or more of the babies. Then there is the procedure itself. The high cost per IVF attempt, which is rarely covered by insurance, often leads couples financially drained; again with no guarantees of success. Combine the financial stress with the general stress of trying to have a baby, and the divorce rate skyrockets. Not only is it heartbreaking to see a couple end in divorce, but it has created an entirely new "spin" on child custody. The battle of "who gets the embryos" is well documented and heating up in the courts today.

Now that science appears to have mastered creation, how long will it be before it officially "kicks up a notch" and is made available to ALL couples who desire to screen out any "perceived" defects; left handed, too short, too tall? Or how about just control the sex of the child? Maybe the hair color? The eye color? In general, seek to achieve whatever someone in their infinite wisdom determines to be the "ideal human being"?

It is this potential abuse of power and knowledge that has been the center of debate since the beginning of time. Plato, the famous Greek philosopher, once said "Wisdom alone is the science of other sciences". As a woman who is reproductively challenged, I hope and pray that wisdom wins out.

Works Cited Author Unknown. "Souls On Ice." Christianity Today July 2003: Vol. 47 Issue 7, p. 28-. Point of View Reference Center Home. EBSCOhost. OSHS Lib., Olathe, KS. Jul. 2003

American Association for Reproductive Medicine.com The Official Site. Frequently Asked Questions. Q5: What is In Vitro Fertilization? 7 May 2008 http://www.asrm.org/Patients/faqs.html

Regulations and Assisted Conception. Laws and regulations. 6 May 2008 http://www.ivf-infertility.com/ivf/standard/regulations.php

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "2005 Assisted Reproductive Technology Success Rates". National Summary and Fertility Clinic Reports. 7 May 2008