In Vitro Fertilization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

In Vitro Fertilization - Research Paper Example After the formation of embryo, it is implanted in the woman’s uterus through a quick 20 minute procedure. The success rates of IVF are different for every couple and they should carry out a thorough research and analyze their options before committing for IVF. Certain risks are associated with IVF which can affect both the mother and the fetus. Spontaneous abortions, low birth weight babies and congenital abnormalities are feared from IVF pregnancies. IVF requires a firm sense of commitment from the couple as it not only requires a long term strict medical vigilance but also a strong financial and emotional support. The couples should be made aware of the associated risks and feared outcomes. With the modern advancements, improvements in IVF are being made and the associated risks have also been controlled to a great extent. In Vitro Fertilization In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a remarkable scientific and medical solution for those couples who cannot reproduce naturally becau se of any reason. In vitro fertilization has a Latin origin and it means â€Å"fertilization under glass†. The name was given because initially glass dishes were used in the laboratories for the whole procedure. The application of IVF widely all over the world provided a solution for those couples who were hopeless and it seemed impossible to reproduce or have children of their own. This advanced form provides a solution for the treatment of various causes of infertility in both men and women. The quick and feasible procedure is widely chosen by many couples because of its high success rates in various countries. However, many ethical dilemmas and feared outcomes highlight the other side of IVF (Alabi 2012; Charlesworth 2004). It is important to understand the basic procedure involved in the IVF along with its historical evolution in the field of medicine. In vitro fertilization is a technique used as a means of reproductions for people who cannot conceive naturally and this method has its own benefits as well as short-comings and these factors have been highlighted by various researches and studies. The first successful attempt at IVF was made in the year 1978 in England. On 25 July 1978 the first baby was born through the IVF technique. Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards were the two doctors who made this remarkable procedure possible and a healthy baby girl, Louise, was born to Lesley and John Brown. Many commented on the possibilities of acquiring complications in the child because of the IVF procedure. But to everybody’s delightful surprise, Louise grew up as a completely healthy and normal child. This successful attempt was achieved by the two doctors after repeated unsuccessful 80 experiments with infertile women and it took a long time period of 10 years. The Lancet published this remarkable outcome on 12 August 1978. After this fruitful attempt, many different clinical settings in various parts of the world also applied this procedure as a treatment for the infertile couples. In 1981, Elizabeth Carr who was the first in-vitro baby of the United States was also born with the assistance of the team at the Jones Institute in Norfolk, Virginia. Initially the success rate of IVF was very unpredictable and very few victorious attempts were made. Some of the major short-comings included its high cost, intensive labor and only suitable for those women who faced infertility because of tubal obstruction. With the passage of time,