IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

Why In News

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has sought a report from the Government of Punjab on the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment availed by the late Punjabi singer’s mother

What is IVF?

• A type of fertility treatment where fertilization occurs outside the body (in a lab).
• An effective form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used to help people conceive.
• Other ART procedures include sperm donation and surrogacy.

Do you Know?

• ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): Your definition is spot on! ART encompasses all medical procedures used to achieve pregnancy by handling sperm or eggs outside the body.
• Sperm Donation: This is indeed an ART technique where sperm from a donor is used to inseminate the woman.
• In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Both sperm and egg are fertilized outside the body in a laboratory dish. After fertilization, the resulting embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation and pregnancy.
• Gestational Surrogacy: This is another ART procedure, but it differs slightly from your explanation. In gestational surrogacy, a fertilized embryo (created through IVF with intended parents’ sperm and egg or donor sperm/egg) is implanted in the gestational carrier’s uterus. The gestational carrier is not genetically related to the baby

Benefits of IVF

• Helps couples and individuals struggling with infertility.
• Reduces miscarriage risk.
• High success rates for pregnancy.
• Allows use of donated eggs or sperm.

Risks of IVF

• Physically and emotionally demanding (time, money, stress).
• Potential side effects from fertility medications.
• Can be expensive and emotionally challenging.

Recent Debate

• A recent case of a 58-year-old woman using IVF sparked debate about age limits.
• Current law in India restricts ART procedures to women between 21-50 years old.
• Some argue for a higher limit due to increasing lifespans and better healthcare.
• Others emphasize health risks and the need for parental support over time.

W.H.O View on Infertility

• Defines infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.
• Recognizes infertility as a health issue impacting millions globally.
• Affirms the right to family planning and the highest attainable health standards.

Conclusion

• Infertility can hinder the right to a family.
• Addressing infertility is crucial for family planning and well-being.
• Supportive government policies can ease the financial and emotional burden of IVF.