In-Vitro Fertilization

A stimulating record chartering the history and pioneers of in-vitro fertilization, forty years after the birth of the first baby.

With thousands of IVF babies born every year, this science based memoir records the early history and pioneering spirit of in-vitro fertilization. Chapters by internationally-recognized specialists in the field record their personal views on the developments made in their countries; chartering this unique and often controversial field of medicine.The birth of Louise Joy Brown - the world's first baby born following in-vitro fertilization - heralded a medical revolution. Forty years later, many thousands of babies are born each year following IVF. Assisted reproduction is a global industry with a multi-billion dollar turnover. It is a complex mix of science, clinical management, bioethics, and commercial imperatives. Many of the pioneers of IVF are still with us and have a fascinating tale to tell. Here, they relate the story of the development of IVF and related technologies in a way that will prove invaluable to future generations of practitioners seeking to understand the genesis of the specialty. This is not an academic history: rather it takes an informal and anecdotal approach; informing and entertaining for generations of past, present and future medical and scientific specialists of IVF, alongside the millions of parents, who celebrated the successes of IVF treatment worldwide.