Fuedan, Iris John V.

Developmental Psychology
PSY224 Activity 4

IVF-Insight

IVF, in vitro fertilization. One of the greatest discoveries in gynecology and biological science. A way or
method for people to be able to have kids whilst having biological issues of their own. It is an
advancement that truly paved the way for 4 million babies all over the world. It is in a way miraculous as
it truly changed the way we view reproduction science.

It’s a magnificent process and discovery altogether, it has opened doors for plenty of people and it has
truly altered the way we view life as It is, but what do I think? Do I find it good? I genuinely believe that
it is very significant in terms of fulfilling certain wants for parents who were a little unfortunate.

Granted that it really does go against certain ethics and morals set by the catholic or Christian church,
but the fact is, it’s a very modern application that could be attained by parents only if they are fully
prepared in taking on the responsibility of being parents.

Questions:

1. What is in vitro fertilization

- in vitro fertilization is the process of harnessing a live egg cell and then merging it with a live
sperm cell using biological methods, the fertilized egg is then put back in the mother’s womb for
incubation.
2. What were some of the early objections to this procedure?
- The church had certain reservations as it took away the “mysterious process” of making a
baby, the unnatural intervention of creation was then taken as the scientific process makes
things a bit more detailed.
3. What other technologies did the development of in vitro fertilization lead to?
- Assisted Hatching
- Blastocyst transfer
- Cryopreservation and Frozen Embryo Transfer
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Stem Cell Research

4. What are some of the challenges Dr. Edwards faced in his laboratory as he tried to develop the
technique of in vitro fertilization?
- Dr Edwards first needed to extract a live egg, that’s where he partnered with Dr. Patrick
Steptoe, an expert in extracting egg cells. The English government rejected his research as the
church of England deemed it unethical and morally wrong.
Fuedan, Iris John V. Developmental Psychology
PSY224 Activity 4

5. What ethical issues persist today regarding I.V.F.?

- Sanctity of life: Each fertilized egg turns into an embryo and is technically alive, scientists freeze
them causing them to die. This doesn’t uphold the oath of a doctor so save lives.
- Identity crises: Some sperm come from anonymous donors, as the IVF child grows, they would
eventually start to wander who their true paternal parentage are.

Sources:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/ivf-moral-and-ethical-considerations/

https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/05/health/research/05nobel.html

https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/fertility/ivf-related-technologies