Archive kept by mother of world’s first test-tube baby shown 40 years on
A REMARKABLE archive kept by the mother of the world’s first test-tube baby has been revealed to mark the 40th anniversary of her birth.
Lesley Brown’s collection of letters, photographs, films, newspapers, magazines and mementos from trips abroad can now be viewed in Bristol.
One letter from Dr Robert Edwards in December 1977 reads: “Just a short note to let you know that the early results on your blood and urine samples are very encouraging, and indicate that you might be in early pregnancy.”
Mrs Brown and husband John, from the city, were the first people to successfully undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Their daughter Louise Brown, who turns 40 today, was born at Oldham General Hospital on July 25, 1978. The couple were sent hundreds of congratulations cards, as well as heartbreaking letters from women struggling to conceive.
Mrs Brown also kept correspondence from those criticising IVF, many on religious grounds, as well as newspaper and magazine articles relating to her family.
Following her death in 2012, her daughter discovered boxes of material, and a scrapbook of memories including a copy of her birth certificate, tucked in a wardrobe at home.
Louise Brown, now a motherof-two in Bristol, said: “My mum Lesley Brown kept everything concerned with my birth from the appointment cards when she was trying for a baby right through to all the correspondence from journalists and people all over the world.”