Test tube baby targeted by trolls 40 years on

THE world’s first test tube baby has told how she is still subjected to abuse 40 years after the IVF breakthrough.

Louise Brown, whose parents received hate mail when she was born, said internet trolls now post hatred online. She hoped people enjoying the latest advances, such as the “three parent” baby procedure, did not also suffer.

On Nov 10 1977, Ms Brown’s mother fell pregnant after undergoing IVF. Six million babies have now been born thanks to the breakthrough by British scientist Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, an obstetrician.

Ms Brown said her parents, who have since died, “just wanted to have a baby”. She said: “Like millions of other couples, they were prepared to do anything to have a baby. They didn’t really see themselves as pioneers.”

Ms Brown, who has had two children naturally, said: “People put up cruel and ill-informed comments, but I ignore it.” Asked if she thought “threeperson baby” families would get similar mail, she said: “I hope not.”

The world’s first three-parent baby, Abrahim Hassan, whose mother was treated in Mexico, was conceived from the DNA of his parents and a third person whose DNA helped counter Leigh syndrome, an inherited disorder.