In vitro fertilization (IVF), the most recognizable face of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), is radically changing the landscape of human reproduction. The small dash of petri dish magic has gone mainstream and is making its presence felt in the lives of ordinary people. Celebrities who have had successful and sometimes painful experiences with IVF are coming out in the open and increasing its popularity. Singer Celine Dion, stand-up comedian Amy Schumer, Courteney Cox of the sitcom Friends, Nicole Kidman, and Sarah Jessica Parker all spoke about their experiences with IVF. With the testimonials lending a genuine feel and authenticity to IVF, does it bode well for society as a whole?
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(photo courtesy of Georges Biard)
For one, IVF is driving home the point that there is life after a diagnosis of infertility. For infertile couples, it has ramped up hope. Not that the experience of going through IVF cycles is ever easy. Actress Brooke Shields admitted that she almost gave up after going through multiple courses of IVF before the procedure succeeded. Hugh Jackman and his wife tried it twice without success. Fortune favors the bold, however. Those who find themselves caught in the unlucky grip of infertility sometimes need only a sprinkle of fortune, in the form of IVF, to feel extremely grateful.
With IVF, age-old biases on infertility are starting to come down. Infertile men and women can no longer be looked down upon as inferior. Men and women can usually become parents whenever they desire to do so. At the same time, they are free to prioritize their careers and personal goals before deciding to become parents. It is a brave, new world out there full of promise.
Finally, IVF is opening fresh avenues in the medical and scientific fields as we speak. New ideas on the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases are cropping up. With the advent of IVF, the concept of infertility, human reproduction and health will never be the same again.
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