Are we ignoring potential dangers of in vitro fertilization and related treatments?
By conventional assessments, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the safest medical treatments. But producing new life brings immense responsibilities. Recently, there have been disquieting reports of foetal abnormality after these treatments and here we evaluate the potential risks associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo freezing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. In our opinion, before translating new techniques into practice, more research, particularly in animals,is desirable. In addition, better child follow-up and a fresh approach to regulation are also needed.
Winston
Robert M L
RM
Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, The Wolfson and Weston Research Centre for Family Health, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 ONN, UK. r.winston@ic.ac.uk
Hardy
Kate
K
D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012306:Risk; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic