Baby joy thanks to gene ingenuity

FOR new mums Sophie Berry and Clare Brown, parenthood was almost out of reach.

But after multiple attempts at pregnancy through IVF with the use of an anonymous sperm donor, the couple eventually gave birth to baby Ted, thanks to Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening.

PGS tests embryos for gene disorders to ensure even higher success rates in IVF.

Sophie and Clare are the first Tasmanian’s to give birth to a PGS baby. The first-ever IVF baby turns 40 this week.

Mrs Berry said the couple, who first tried for a baby using IVF in 2016, had no doubt PGS boosted their chances.

“The genetic testing seemed like a great idea for us because we considered that maybe an embryo that was put forward through IVF was genetically at fault,” she said.

“It provided the best op- portunity and hope that a suitable embryo might work, and that really interested us.”

The couple, who have been together for more than five years, said IVF intervention should be considered for any couple having difficulty becoming pregnant.

“Being in a same-sex relationship feels normal to us,” Mrs Brown said.

“We’re just two mums giving it a crack. It’s now proven that IVF is for all.”

Clinical director of TasIVF Bill Watkins said the number of same-sex couples using IVF was increasing in Tasmania.

“We’ve seen a steady growth in IVF treatment over the past 10 years and the number of same sex couples seeking IVF has doubled since 2013,” Dr Watkins said.

He said while PGS could boost the likelihood of pregnancy through IVF, it was not necessary for all couples.

“PGS is most effective for older women seeking pregnancy, particularly those who have experienced repeated miscarriages,” he said.

“In many cases, PGS is an unnecessary intervention but it’s a great way for us to select the best suitable embryos which can reduce miscarriages.”

It provided the best opportunity and hope that a suitable embryo might work, and that really interested us. SOPHIE BERRY