In Vitro Fertilization

Term Paper # 117516

Biology > Bioethics
Biology > Genetics
Medical and Health

A discussion on in vitro fertilization and its controversies.

1,710 words () | 7 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper describes and explains the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process and chronicles the success of the world's first IVF baby, Louise Brown who was born in England in 1978. Listing the advantages of IVF, the author comments that this reproduction technique has come a long way since its beginning. Previously a last resort for many woman who wanted to and were unable to get pregnant naturally, IVF is, these days used by woman and couples who are impatient for results. The paper also talks about a case in India where a 70 year old woman gave birth to twins with the help of IVF and discusses the ethics involved in the issue of IVF eligibility.

From the Paper:

"In England on August 4, 1978 Louise Brown was the first baby in the world born as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) - the process of fertilization done in a laboratory dish manually by combining an egg and sperm - commonly called "test tube babies". If and when the procedure works, the embryo is then transferred to the uterus. We just saw the thirtieth anniversary of Louise Brown's birth and, thirty years later, reproductive technology has become a million dollar business and a procedure that many women turn to when they are not able to get pregnant because of either their or their husband's infertility, or perhaps a genetic problem."

Sample of Sources Used:

American Pregnancy Association: Infertility: In Vitro Fertilization: IVF. RetrievedFrom the website: American Pregnancy Association on August 12, 2008:http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/ivf.html
BBC News: Profile: Louise Brown. Published on July 24, 2007. Retrieved from theWebsite: BBC News on August 12, 2008: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3091241.stm
Colin, Molly. Do Fertility Drugs Cause Cancer? Newsweek. Issue: October 10, 1994.
New York Daily News: "70-Year-Old Woman Becomes World's Oldest Mother withBirth of Twins". Published on July 4, 2008. Retrieved from the website: NewYork Daily News on August 13, 2008: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/07/04/20080704_70yearold_woman_becomes_worlds_oldest_mo.html
Gurevich, Rachel. Should There Be Limits On IVF? Published on August 4, 2008.Retrieved from the website: About.com on August 12, 2008:http://infertility.about.com/b/2008/08/04/should-there-be-limits-on-ivf.htm