Experts dispel myths of IVF treatment

A recent report by Philippa Taylor, Head of Public Policy, Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF), based in UK has said that growth of IVF treatment has not solved the “heartbreak of infertility.”

The report reveals that it is estimated that more than 7 million babies have been born as a result of IVF and other assisted reproduction treatments (ART).

“If rates stay at current levels, then an estimated 157 million people alive will owe their lives to assisted reproductive technologies at the end of the century.”

“While the IVF industry and media focus on and market the success stories, the average delivery rate from ART treatments are around just 19 per cent per cycle — a global failed recycle rate of around 80 per cent.”

Taylor, who is a leading bioethicist, pointed out that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority reports a success rate of 26.5 per cent, which means that 73.5 per cent of cycles do not lead to a birth.

The industry in the UK alone is estimated to be worth over £600,000 (Dh3billion).

The intervention by the doctors group comes as global fertility rates continue to decline, with the World Bank finding they have halved since 1960.

She warns that too many women are being duped by stories of celebrities in their 50s, who with the help of IVF, find it relatively quick and easy to conceive.

“Even a woman under 35 years has less than a one in three chance of having a baby per embryo transferred.”

She pointed out that a woman in her early 40s only has about a one in ten chance of having a baby per embryo transferred, and the success rate drops to a mere two per cent for women over 44.

“This is highly relevant in a time when more and more women are delaying childbirth to concentrate on jobs and careers. IVF heartbreak is real. IVF is no guarantee of success. Added to this is the significant financial, emotional and physical toll that IVF can have on women.”