Human Assisted Reproduction

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

In Vitro Fertilization, Human Assisted Reproduction, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, Multiple Pregnancy

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Louise Brown was the first baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978. Since then, use of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) has increased substantially, and new methods, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) have been developed. ARTs allow individuals with infertility problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (POS), endometriosis, and Y chromosome deletions, to conceive a child. However, adverse side effects, such as chromosomal abnormalities, pre-maturity, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and multiples are also associated with ARTs. Single embryo transfer (SET) is recommended to minimize incidence of multiples while maintaining pregnancy success rates. Currently, SET legislation does not exist in the United States, but countries such as Belgium and Sweden have demonstrated success in minimizing multiple pregnancies after enacting legislation. Use of ARTs also raises ethical questions, such as legislation on access to genetic information, equity of access, and moral concerns regarding abortion and selective reduction of pregnancy.

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