In vitro fertilization

Definition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves the extraction of eggs and sperm to create an embryo outside the body, which is then implanted into a woman's uterus. This technique has transformed reproductive options for couples facing infertility, single individuals, and same-sex couples, influencing modern concepts of family and parenthood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IVF was first successfully performed in 1978, resulting in the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first 'test-tube baby.'
2. The procedure can involve multiple cycles of egg retrieval and embryo transfer, which may lead to varying success rates depending on individual circumstances.
3. IVF allows for genetic screening of embryos, enabling parents to make informed decisions about potential genetic disorders before implantation.
4. The accessibility of IVF has sparked ethical debates regarding its implications for family structures, especially concerning single parents and LGBTQ+ couples.
5. Insurance coverage for IVF varies widely, with some regions offering support while others leave costs fully borne by individuals, impacting access to these reproductive technologies.

Review Questions

• How does in vitro fertilization challenge traditional definitions of family and parenthood?
  • In vitro fertilization challenges traditional definitions of family and parenthood by enabling diverse family structures that were previously less common. Couples facing infertility, single individuals, and same-sex couples can now have children through IVF, broadening the societal understanding of what constitutes a family. This has led to shifts in cultural perceptions about parenting roles and biological connections.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of in vitro fertilization in contemporary society.
  • The use of in vitro fertilization raises several ethical considerations, including issues related to genetic screening, the disposition of unused embryos, and access to reproductive technologies. The ability to screen embryos for genetic disorders invites debates over 'designer babies' and the potential for discrimination based on genetic traits. Furthermore, unequal access to IVF based on socioeconomic status presents questions about equity in reproductive health care.
• Evaluate the impact of in vitro fertilization on societal norms related to marriage and family dynamics.
  • In vitro fertilization has significantly impacted societal norms related to marriage and family dynamics by reshaping how people view reproduction and parenting. The ability to conceive a child through IVF has led to greater acceptance of non-traditional family formations, including those formed by single parents or LGBTQ+ couples. This shift challenges the conventional notion that biological reproduction is a prerequisite for forming a family, ultimately promoting more inclusive understandings of love and kinship.

Related terms

Assisted reproductive technology: A broad term that encompasses various medical procedures used to address infertility, including IVF, artificial insemination, and egg/sperm donation.

Embryo transfer: The process in which one or more embryos created through IVF are placed into a woman's uterus with the intent of achieving pregnancy.

Surrogacy:

A reproductive arrangement where a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another individual or couple, often involving IVF techniques.