After being tested in veterinary practices in the early 19th century, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been used in hospitals and clinics for over thirty years, since the first successful test tube baby was born in 1978. Being an in vitro child, these articles are a high priority to me. These articles looked at problems regarding fertilization and development of in vitro children through cell and mitosis development.
A study completed by Schieve et al. (2004) stated that pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a high perinatal complication rate. Twin and higher order of multiple gestations are at increased risk for per-term delivery compared with singletons. Researchers say the most common method to reduce the premature birth risk when using IVF is to avoid multiple births. Also, multiple births are at higher risk of mortality when using in vitro fertilization.
With research and IVF, adults need to be reassured that this method of conception will not endanger their children’s health and vitality after birth. Understanding the genetics of IVF and the possible complications can keep a parent from the risk of their child having a disability.
L. A. Schieve, H. B. Peterson, S. F. Meikle, G. Jeng, I. Danel, N. M. Burnett, L. S. Wilcox. Live-birth rates and multiple-birth risk using in vitro fertilization.JAMA. 1999 November 17; 282(19): 1832–1838.
Tarkan, Laurie. “Lowering the Odds Of Multiple Births.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Feb. 2008. Web. 06 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/health/19mult.html?pagewanted=all>.