Technology Assisted Birth

Infertility

Why should we talk about it in a parenting class?

Because it affects 1 in 5 couples.

That is 6 million American couples.

Infertility

Definition: A couples inability to conceive a baby.

Terms you should know:

Artificial InseminationInvitriofertilizationOvum transferSurrogate

Artificial Insemination

Definition: When the sperm of a donor is inseminated into the uterus.

It could be the sperm of the spouse or a donor that you have never met. Artificial insemination does not necessarily mean that you used a sperm bank.

Invitriofertilization

Definition: The egg is fertilized in the lab and reinserted into the uterus.

The doctor picks the very best embryo(s) to insert. The doctor can test for birth defects, male and female, etc.

The first IVF child in the U.S. was in 1981.

Ovum Transfer

Definition: a donor egg is used for the invitrio-fertilization.

Surrogates

Definition: When another woman carries the fertilized egg to term.

Since 1981, the multiple birth rate has more than tripled in

the United States.

Infertility treatments have pros and cons.

A couple needs the facts to make wise decisions.

Risks for Multiples

47 times more_________

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy

Risks for Multiples

1/3 die by____.

Risks for Multiples

47 times more cerebral Palsy1/3 die by first birthday

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more ___ ___

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicaps

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicapsLower _______

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicapsLower I.Q.

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicapsLower I.Q.Slower at ____ and ____

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicapsLower I.Q.Slower at walking and talking

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicapsLower I.Q.Slower at walking and talkingMore ____ problems

Risks for Multiples

47 times more Cerebral Palsy1/3 die by 1st birthday3 times more severe handicapsLower I.Q.Slower at walking and talkingMore respiratory problems

Are there more problems?

Both legal and moral issues have arisen because of technology assisted birth.

Issue #1

Extra eggs being stolen or used without the donor’s permission.

Issue #2

Fertilized eggs being stolen or used without donor permission.

Issue #3

What is the appropriate selling price for eggs and sperm?

Issue #4

If too many embryos attach, should you remove some of them or is that abortion?

Issue #5

Is it fair to have multiples when you know the health risks?

Issue #6

What are the laws related to surrogate mothers?

Issue #7

Should people be allowed to select the sex of their baby?

Issue #8

Are sperm banks regulated enough?

Issue #9

Is it o.k. to use a dead man’s sperm without his permission?

You be the judge!

If you find yourself seeking help for infertility, ask

questions and make informed decisions.